New Partnership Delivering More Kindergarten Places
The Allan Labor Government is backing young families in Melbourne’s north – with a new integrated children’s centre at Saints College North Melbourne.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced the new Building Blocks Partnership with Edmund Rice Education Australia Victorian Schools which will create more kindergarten places across a series of projects.
The centre, opening in stages from 2027 to 2029, will create three kinder rooms for up to 47 local children – featuring long daycare, health consulting rooms and support services for students and families.
The centre will help young parents enrolled in the school’s Young Parents Program, supporting them to stay in education while their children are cared for on-site.
The Labor Government has provided almost $6.88 million in funding for the Saints College North Melbourne project, on top of Edmund Rice’s co-contribution of $1.05 million.
The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.
Through our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“With our newest project in our Building Blocks Partnerships we’ll be delivering new kinders where they’re needed most – and the integrated children’s centre will give young parents the support they need to stay in school at the same time.”
“We will continue to invest in high quality kinder infrastructure – back in by our Free Kinder program saving families up to $2,600 per year – so Victorian children get the best start possible in their lives.”
As stated by EREA VSL Deputy CEO Chloe Hand
“Edmund Rice Education Australia Victorian Schools Limited (EREA VSL) are deeply grateful to partner with the government to give children the best start in life through quality early years education that positively impacts each child’s development, learning and future success.”
“The project at Saints College will allow us to support our local community and the many young parents who entrust us with their own education and that of their babies and children.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/250623-New-Partnership-Delivering-More-Kindergarten-Places.pdf