General News
17 April, 2026
Shire to see kindergarten program expansion
CORANGAMITE Shire is among 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to see a change in the delivery of the four-year-old kindergarten program.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn recently announced the new program, which will see more hours of play-based learning made available, will kick off in an additional 12 LGAs after the program commenced last year.
Children will still go to the same kindergarten, but with more hours – between 16-30 every week.
For some children, this means double the amount of early education before they start school.
More than 130 funded kindergarten services now offer the expanded program, with more than 3000 children set to benefit.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney said more than 130 services, including services within the Corangamite Shire, would offer the program which is set to benefit over 3000 children.
“This is about giving children across Corangamite Shire the best possible start – with more time to learn, play and build confidence before they begin school, and it’s something Labor is proud to be delivering,” she said.
Ms Blandthorn said families will save up to $2700 per child – money which will stay in family budgets instead of going towards kindergarten fees.
“This is four-year-old kinder made better – more hours, less fees and the same great educators families already trust.
“Every hour in kindergarten is an investment in a child’s future – and every dollar families save on fees is money back in the family budget.”
In addition to the expansion into 12 new LGAs, children from priority cohorts across Victoria are now eligible for the extra hours of learning.
This includes Aboriginal children, those from refugee backgrounds and children who have had contact with Child Protection.
For more information, visit vic.gov.au/free-kinder.