The Allan Labor Government will deliver hundreds of new kinder places for locals in Melbourne's west through a large, new kindergarten opening in 2027.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced $9 million to fund a new integrated children's centre as part of the new Deanside Community Centre and Neighbourhood House - helping meet the growing demand from local families.
The kinder will create up to 237 new kinder places when it opens - adding to the Building Blocks Partnership with the City of Melton which includes 10 new kindergarten projects, creating up to 2,251 kinder places with the state contributing more than $78 million.
The Deanside project also received $1 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund, designed to support communities in the fastest growing suburbs.
Since 2021, the Labor Government has entered into 18 Building Blocks Partnerships - delivering 109 new and expanded kindergartens when and where they're needed most.
We know Victorian families are doing it tough - that's why Free Kinder is saving nearly 154,000 families up to $2,627 in fees per child at sessional kindergartens and up to $2,101 per child at long day care centres.
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.
It's all part of our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms which are transforming early childhood education, saving families money and supporting parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Our unprecedented Best Start, Best Life investment in early childhood education is helping children in every corner of the state - including in Deanside - get the most out of their education before they even start school."
"We know the west is growing fast and Victorians are feeling the pinch which is why we're expanding the Building Blocks Partnership with the City of Melton."
"With Free Kinder at 97 per cent of kindergartens - we're making early education more accessible for families and saving them up to $2,600 per child, per year."
As stated by Member for Sydenham Natalie Hutchins
"Our investment in early childhood education is about giving our youngest learners the best possible start in life - high-quality facilities like this set the foundation for lifelong learning and support local families and educators with the resources they deserve."
