By Callum Ludwig and Mikayla van Loon
A range of kinders and preschools in the Yarra Ranges are set for upgrades through the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Grants programs.
Both Yarra Ranges Kindergartens (YRK), the umbrella group which runs 22 kinders and preschools, and Cire Children’s Services in Mount Evelyn and Chirnside Park were among the recipients.
With the grants focused on improving inclusion in early education this year, grants were available to help fund projects in the buildings and playgrounds as well for equipment.
YRK interim chief executive officer Juliette Hammond said they are thrilled to have received funding through the Building Block Inclusions Grants.
“They will make a huge impact, supporting exciting upgrades and the provision of specialist equipment, such as sensory toys at several of our Kindergartens,” she said.
“These grants will enable us to ensure every child, regardless of their abilities, background or learning style has equal access to learning opportunities and will create more enriching learning environments.”
“Two of our Kinders, Warburton and Woori Yallock, received major grant funding which will drive much-needed improvements to their outdoor play areas, the upgrades will enhance our beautiful natural environments helping to transform them into more engaging spaces where children can explore, learn, and connect with nature.”
A spokesperson from Cire said the grants, both in the realm of $10,000, would go towards sensory processing tools, gross motor equipment, outdoor dramatic play equipment and social play equipment, designed to address the unique sensory, developmental, and social needs of the children and support “each student to self regulate, feel safe and enabled to learn”.
“These grants support facilities like Cire Early Learning to meet the ever-changing needs of our diverse cohort,” they said.
“There are always new evidence-based innovations recommended by allied health professionals to elevate our service, and this grant provides the means for us to deliver the most up-to-date equipment for our children.”
The spokesperson said Cire would continue to engage with allied health professionals to ensure children and families receive the best support, alongside the best equipment to make that possible.
“By consulting with allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, we learn how to enhance the learning experiences of children with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, children who have experienced trauma, developmental delays, speech and hearing challenges, and more,” they said.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice and provide an inclusive environment where a child can thrive regardless of their sensory or developmental challenges.”
On the larger scale, YRK’s Warburton Kindergarten received $174,630 to upgrade and enhance the outdoor learning space, including a natural climbing fort, a cubby house, bike track and yarning circle.
$167,689 for the Woori Yallock Kindergarten will see upgrades to the swing, fort, and slide areas, and the indigenous gardens, promoting cultural awareness and sustainability.
Ms Hammond said they will both be eco-conscious, all-inclusive, sun-smart outdoor spaces that encourage children of all abilities to engage in active, nature-based play.
“These upgrades aren’t just about new equipment—they’re about creating outdoor environments that support a healthy, active lifestyle, teach important environmental lessons, and provide spaces where all children can connect, learn, and grow,” she said.
“These grants provide the critical boost needed to fast-track improvements, without this funding, many of these projects wouldn’t be possible—or would take significantly longer to bring to life.”
For equipment:
Fernhill Preschool in Mt Evelyn will receive $5866,
Upwey South Preschool will receive $8909,
Upwey Preschool will receive $9224
Lancaster Preschool in Mooroolbark will receive $5986,
Belgrave Preschool will receive $8293
Sassafras Preschool will receive $3750
Ms Hammond said these improvements will benefit everyone in the YRK community.
More than 400 early childhood education services shared in $9 million worth of grants through the 2024-25 Building Blocks Inclusion Grants program.
Ms Hammond said the early years lays the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
“If we can create safe, stimulating spaces it encourages children to explore, take risks, build relationships, and develop confidence—skills that will serve them well into the future. Brand new, modern ‘fancy’ facilities don’t necessarily change learning outcomes for children, but environments that are inviting, warm, interesting and inclusive do,” she said.
“Physical environments which are inclusive, and trauma-informed create the sense of safety and belonging which children need to make connections with others, connections which really can change their lives, we want to ensure children have access to spaces and equipment that help them feel included and to engage in learning, build positive self-esteem and develop strong social connections,”
“We are incredibly grateful for this support, which allows us to continue enhancing our kindergartens. A huge thank you to our Parent Support Committees, staff, and advocates at all our Kinders but especially Warburton and Woori Yallock for their dedication in securing this funding. Your hard work ensures that our kinders continue to be places of joy, discovery, and growth.”
Grants of up to $200,000 were available for building and playground projects while grants of up to $10,000 were available for equipment which could include items like mobility tools, adjustable furniture and sensory equipment.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said every child deserves to actively participate at kindergarten, no matter their ability.
“These grants will make sure kinders have the inclusive facilities and equipment they need to support all children to grow, learn and play,” she said.
“We’re supporting the diverse needs of Victoria’s children by making hundreds of kindergartens safer, more engaging and inclusive, so all children can grow and thrive from the best start in life.”
