By Callum Ludwig
A range of kinders and preschools under the Yarra Ranges Kindergartens (YRK) umbrella are set for upgrades through the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Grants programs.
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.
Interim CEO of YRK 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.”
With $174,630 for Warburton Kindergarten, the upgrades will include:
A natural climbing fort with integrated slides
A cubby house for imaginative play
A bike track with safety crash matting
A yarning circle, providing a dedicated space for outdoor learning and group discussions
$167,689 for the Woori Yallock Kindergarten will see upgrades to:
The swing, fort, and slide areas, ensuring they remain safe, fun, and compliant with council regulations
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.
“With kindergartens like Warburton holding a long and cherished history in the community, keeping up with modern needs while honouring the past is important. Unfortunately, maintaining and upgrading facilities is a costly challenge,”
“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.”
Fore 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.
“For the children, new outdoor spaces mean more opportunities to explore, play, and develop essential motor, social, and cognitive skills. Design elements will be included which inspire curiosity, creativity, and build confidence in their unique abilities,” she said.
“For the educators and staff, a more functional and engaging environment makes for a better workplace, allowing our dedicated teachers to deliver high-quality early childhood education in inspiring settings,”
“For families and the wider community. these upgrades reflect a shared commitment to investing in the early years, creating spaces that families feel connected to and proud of.”
More than 400 early childhood education services hared 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.”
