The state government has increased its funding for projects completed by June 2026 under its Building Blocks Capacity Building grant stream, including for kindergartens in Hume and Whittlesea.
Under the announcement, funding for expansion projects would increase to $1 million, $4 million for new early learning facilities and $4.5 million for integrated children’s centres.
As part of the initiative, new grants of up to $150,000 are available for project planning, scoping and design, further supporting the early childhood sector to deliver vital infrastructure ahead of the roll-out of Pre-Prep.
New rounds of Building Blocks Inclusion grants providing between $10,000 and $200,000 for inclusive equipment and building and playground upgrades, along with Building Blocks Planning grants, which provide up to $150,000 for planning and pre-construction work on infrastructure projects, are now open.
Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Minister Ingrid Stitt said the new funding would ensure every child had the best start to their development.
“We’re upgrading and improving facilities across the state to ensure more kids of all abilities have the buildings, spaces and playgrounds they need, for the great education they deserve,” she said.
“Our Pre-Prep and Free Kinder initiatives are providing families another way to ease cost of living pressures, while supporting more women with more opportunities to re-join the workforce.”
