The Allan Labor Government is helping more children learn and play with new funding to expand Victoria's toy library network and improve existing services.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced $329,000 in Toy Library Grants to support 45 services across Victoria - including two grants of $40,000 to deliver new Toy Libraries.
Two brand new Toy Libraries will open at Roxburgh Park Primary School Kindergarten and Seymour Presbyterian Church, run by Northern Schools Early Years Cluster and Scripture Union Australia Ministries.
Up to $10,000 will go to 43 existing not-for-profit Toy Libraries to buy new toys and equipment, attract new members, or streamline how they lend and manage toys.
Toy Libraries give families access to high-quality toys that support learning and development, while saving parents and carers money on new toys that children quickly outgrow.
They are also important community hubs which connect parents and carers with community services and provide social and emotional support for families.
The Labor Government is investing $1.9 million to establish at least eight new toy libraries and strengthen the existing network across Victoria.
Funding from the first round of Toy Library Grants helped 58 services purchase more than 1,500 new toys and increase membership by 33 per cent across Victoria, as well as establishing new libraries in Melbourne, Horsham and Stawell.
More information about Toy Library Grants is available at vic.gov.au/toy-library-grants-program.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Every child deserves the chance to learn and grow - this investment supports families with affordable access to toys that inspire creativity and development."
"More than 56,000 people use Victoria's toy libraries each year, or about 16,000 families, so I'm thrilled to support the latest expansion and the community connections these much-loved services create."
"Investing in toy libraries is an investment in our children's development and in stronger, more connected communities across Victoria."
