The Allan Labor Government is delivering for families in Ballarat with hundreds more kindergarten places and modern education facilities.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison today announced construction has commenced on Sebastopol Community Hub – which will create up to 66 kinder places for 2026. The hub will include four multipurpose rooms and two consulting rooms for maternal and child health.

Sebastopol Community Hub is part of the $21.5 million Building Blocks Partnership with the City of Ballarat, announced in December, to create up to 612 new kindergarten places.

The five partnership projects being funded will finish by 2032, with work already underway at Lucas Community Hub for new kinder spaces.

Delacombe Community Kindergarten is also set to expand to allow up to an additional 79 kinder places for Term 1, 2028. The project has received $2 million in funding and includes a new staff planning room, staff lunch room, a new store room and laundry facilities.

Including the City of Ballarat partnership, the Labor Government has now entered 17 Building Blocks Partnerships since 2021. The partnerships across the state are producing 108 new and expanded kindergartens – when and where they’re needed most.

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.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“We all want the best for our kids, and our partnership with the City of Ballarat will deliver hundreds of kindergarten places, giving more families across some of Ballarat’s fastest growing areas access to a fantastic local kinder.”

“Investment in kinder is an investment in our children’s future – Free Kinder is reducing the costs for parents and Building Blocks partnerships are delivering new kindergarten places in local government areas across Victoria, so more children can get the best start in life.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“Expanding kinder places isn’t just about education – it’s about helping parents and carers return to work or study, knowing their children are getting the best start in life. This partnership will make a real difference for families in Sebastopol. By investing $4.5 million into the Sebastopol Community Hub through our Building Blocks Capacity program, we are not only creating new kindergarten rooms and places – but contributing funds for a much-needed purpose built space for the whole community.”