- Published:
- Sunday 27 February 2022
The Andrews Labor Government is giving families in Melton more kindergarten options, with a new partnership with Melton City Council to deliver better kinder facilities and more places for kids in the city’s booming outer west.
Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt today announced the Labor Government will co-contribute up to $17.3 million towards five new and expanded kindergartens under the Building Blocks Partnership, as part of its landmark Three-Year-Old Kindergarten reform – providing more than 1,120 funded kindergarten places across the region.
The first stage includes a four-room integrated children’s centre at Rockbank Murray Road Children’s and Community Centre by 2023, and three integrated children’s centres in Weir Views, Fraser Rise and Deanside by 2026, under the Building Blocks Capacity stream.
The Government has given in-principle support for a further contribution of up to $20 million for another five early childhood infrastructure projects in the City of Melton, between 2027 and 2029. These projects are expected to provide an additional 1,320 funded kindergarten places by 2029.
The first Building Blocks Partnership was made with Wyndham City Council in September 2021, outlining specific projects and funding via a streamlined grants process that builds on the Kindergarten Infrastructure and Services Plans’ supply and demand forecasts.
In an Australian first, the Labor Government is investing almost $5 billion over this decade to deliver a full 15 hours per week of universally funded Three-Year-Old Kindergarten.
To find out more about Building Blocks visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt
“We’re proud to be delivering our second Building Blocks partnership with the City of Melton – delivering more kinder places and better early learning facilities for growing families who deserve the best start to their kids’ education.”
“Our Building Blocks Partnership will help support the successful roll-out of our landmark Three-Year-Old Kinder, delivering a pipeline of infrastructure works with new and expanded kindergartens across the state.”
Quotes attributable to Melton City Council Mayor Cr Goran Kesic
“The City of Melton is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, with 52 babies born every week it’s so important that we work together to ensure every child gets the best start to their development and education.
“Kindergarten helps children become confident learners in a safe and supported environment – we’re proud to partner with the Victorian Government to make kinder accessible for all local three and four-year-olds.”