State cash for kinder upgrades

LOCAL early learning centres are receiving a State Government funding boost for construction and upgrades of facilities.

The Building Blocks Improvement grant scheme is set to benefit Bakery Hill Kinder, and the developing Brown Hill Y Learn and Swim Centre.

With $360,000 worth of funding, The Y Ballarat will deliver landscaping and a playground to serve 114 kindergarteners, and the Bakery Hill Kinder will receive more than $33,000 to convert to an electric power supply, and build outdoor shelters.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison announced the funding on Friday, aiming to give the next generation the best start in life.

“We’re supporting Ballarat families and our littlest learners by ensuring they have the facilities they deserve,” she said.

“Congratulations to Bakery Hill Kinder and the Y Ballarat on receiving these building block grants.”

More than 100 schools are set to be supported by a funding pool of nearly $18 million through the Building Blocks Improvement program.

The support comes alongside a $9 billion initiative from the State Government which will aim to deliver 15 hours a week of free kinder for children aged three and four from next year.

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, said the support for Ballarat’s kindergarteners will go a long way.

“We’re proud to be boosting early childhood services in Ballarat East because we know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives,” she said.

The Y Learn and Swim Centre is under construction at 40 Water Street and will cater to children aged six weeks to five years with kindergarten, long day care, and swimming lessons in a 17-metre heated pool.

The centre is expected to ready in early-2023, open 50 weeks of the year. The pool will be open seven days a week.