- Published:
- Tuesday 2 October 2018
The Andrews Labor Government is helping put on free events – including picnics and storytime sessions – for families and children across Victoria as part of Children’s Week 2018.
Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos today announced 100 recipients will receive a grant to help them host an activity or event during the annual celebration which will be held from 20 to 28 October this year.
The events will be free for all Victorian families and targeted to those with children aged up to 12 years. There is a huge range of fun, engaging and educational activities and events to choose from, including:
- A Teddy Bears Picnic at Korumburra, South Gippsland, with a sausage sizzle, face painting and messy play activities
- A free exhibition at Birrarung Marr celebrating five years of the Picture Book Program, which has so far published 13 unique books with the help of more than 220 families
- A Children’s Animal Farm to visit Allnutt Park in McKinnon, where kids will not only be able to pat and play with the animals, but learn where food comes from and make their favourite animal in arts and craft
- A fun and educational show about music, giving kids a chance to see a range of instruments and learn how they work with a bit of juggling and magic thrown into the mix.
The Children’s Week grants are provided to not-for-profit organisations and councils to help cover costs associated with running an event, such as hiring entertainment, purchasing craft materials, providing food and children’s prizes.
This year’s recipients will share in more than $80,000 worth of funding to help celebrate the national week.
The 2018 Children’s Week theme is based on Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that children have the right to say what they think and have their opinions taken into account.
The Labor Government is delivering its $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, which recognises the importance of providing families with strong support in early childhood so kids are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life.
For more information or to find an event near you, visit education.vic.gov.au/childrensweek.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos
“Children’s Week is a fantastic opportunity for families to do fun things together and also celebrate the amazing talents, skills and achievements of Victorian children.”
“There’ll be a huge range of free and fun activities happening right across the state so I urge local families to find out what’s happening near them and get involved.”