The Allan Labor Government is delivering more kindergartens and extra places for families in western Melbourne, thanks to a partnership with Brimbank City Council.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for St Albans Nat Suleyman today announced two new projects - Dempster Park Children's and Community Centre and St Albans West Kindergarten in the now $19.7 million Building Blocks Partnership with the council.
Dempster Park Children's and Community Centre, on Phoenix Street, Sunshine North, will have 118 kinder places when it opens in 2027 - delivering two kindergarten rooms and two maternal and child health consulting rooms. It will also offer an outdoor learning environment, a community hall and other community and family services.
St Albans West Kindergarten will be replaced with a new two-room modular building - increasing the number of kindergarten places to 118 when it is completed in2026.
The partnership with Brimbank will create up to 649 new kindergarten places across six projects in the area - giving more Victorians access to early childhood services with Free Kinder.
Modular kindergartens are constructed off site in a factory, in sections known as modules, to take advantage of faster construction times which minimise disruptions. Builders then assemble the modules on site before connecting utilities, completing outdoor play areas and landscaping grounds.
The Labor Government has entered into 18 Building Blocks partnerships since 2021. Across the state, partnerships are delivering 109 new and expanded kindergartens 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 $14 billion 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.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Our newest projects with Brimbank City Council will deliver new and upgraded kindergartens- creating 127 new kinder places to give more families in the area access to great local education close to home."
"Investment in kinder is an investment in our children's future - our Building Blocks partnerships are delivering more than 100 new infrastructure projects in local government areas across Victoria backed by our Free Kinder program saving families up to $2,600 each year."
As stated by Member for St Albans Nat Suleyman
"Making sure young families in my community can access the best education for free is a top priority of mine - that's why it is amazing to see our Government and Brimbank City Council building facilities to provide more spaces for our kids."
"We believe everyone in our community deserves to have access to the best education right here in their local area."
