- Published:
- Monday 25 November 2024
The Allan Labor Government is delivering more kindergarten places and world-class early learning facilities to help meet the demand of families in Melbourne’s west through a Building Blocks Partnership with Melton City Council.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch have announced $18 million in funding will be used to deliver two new kindergarten projects in the Melton local government area – which will create more than 500 new kindergarten places for local families.
Weir Views Community Centre and Aintree Children’s and Community Centre, scheduled to open in early 2026 and early 2027, will each provide up to 251 new kinder places. The projects are funded with a Building Blocks Capacity Fund grant of $9 million each.
These two projects are part of the $37.3 million Building Blocks Partnership with Melton City Council, announced in 2022. The centres will each include a double maternal and child health suite and community meeting spaces.
The community centres are in addition to two projects previously announced through the partnership at Thornhill Park Children’s and Community Centre and Plumpton Community Centre and Neighbourhood House in Fraser Rise.
The Labor Government has entered into 16 Building Blocks partnerships, delivering 101 new and expanded kindergartens and up to 13,385 new kinder places when and where they’re needed most.
The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of pre-prep each week by 2036.
Through our nation-leading Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
Quote attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“Our partnership with Melton City Council will deliver these two new projects with up to 502 new kinder places, giving more families in Melbourne’s north access to great local kinders close to home.”
Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie
“An investment in kinder is an investment in our children’s future – our partnerships are delivering more than 13,000 new kindergarten places in local government areas across Victoria, so more children can get the best start in life.”
Quote attributable to Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
”The west is growing which means more families need kinder places – and this partnership is giving more local children the opportunity to gain the enormous benefits of early learning.”
Quotes attributable to Melton City Council CEO Roslyn Wai
“We are excited to be working in partnership with the Victorian Government and investing in kindergarten programs and facilities in Melton.”