Children in Craigieburn will have the chance to learn and play in the great outdoors, thanks to an expansion of bush kinder programs by the Allan Labor Government.

Ros Spence Member for Kalkallo today announced that both the Craigieburn West YMCA Early Learning Centre and Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre Craigieburn will each receive one-off grants of $6,000 to offer a bush kinder program in 2024.

Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland, and beaches – giving children a unique opportunity and freedom to learn through play outdoors.

The programs are educational and exciting – with a significant positive impact on a child’s development, as well as on their physical health and wellbeing.

The $6,000 grants will help kindergartens buy the equipment they need to run programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials, and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife.

The Labor Government is investing $3.6 million over four years to expand bush kinder programs in up to 600 kindergarten services across Victoria.

Bush kinder programs funded in this grant round start at the beginning of Term 3, 2024.

To find out which kindergartens are receiving a bush kinder grant, visit vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program.

Quotes attributable to State Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence:

“We’re providing grants of $6,000 to kindergartens locally in Craigieburn, ensuring children have opportunities to get outdoors and learn in a natural environment.”

“I can’t wait to see families at both the Craigieburn West YMCA Early Learning Centre and Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre Craigieburn benefit from this funding.”