General News
22 February, 2024
Funds flow to support outdoor education
KINDERGARTNERS across the Corangamite shire will share in $24,000 to learn and play outdoors thanks to an expansion of bush kinder programs by the state Government.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney this week announced four local kindergartens, Cobden and District Kindergarten, Simpson and District Kindergarten, Timboon and District Kindergarten and Terang Children’s Centre, will receive one-off grants of $6000 to offer a bush kinder program.
Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland and beaches,which gives children a unique opportunity to learn through play with natural materials in the outdoors.
The programs are educational and exciting with a significant positive impact on a child’s development, as well as on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The $6000 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.
Ms Tierney said the funding would help provide a more diverse, enriching educational experience.
“Children gain so much through being creative and getting active outdoors, which is why I am so pleased to announce the expansion of our Bush Kinder program to more services across Western Victoria,” she said.
“Bush kinder programs are not just fun and educational, they also help to keep kids active and connect them with nature – boosting their health, wellbeing and development.”
Kindergartens without access to a suitable off-site location can use their grant funding to enhance the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environment.
The Labor Government is investing $3.6 million over four years to expand bush kinder programs in up to 600 kindergarten services across Victoria.
Through the $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms over the next decade, the Victorian Government aims to transform kindergartens to give every Victorian child the best start to life, save families time and money, and support parents to return to work or study if they choose.
The 2024 expansion will see new bush kinder programs established in 52 local government areas, including 25 regional locations.
Bush kinder programs funded in this grant round start at the beginning of term three, 2024.
Applications for the 2025 round of the bush kinder grants will open in the second half of 2024.
To find out which kindergartens are receiving a bush kinder grant, visit vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program.