Cade Lucas
Culturally and linguistically diverse communities across Melbourne’s west will have better access to kinder thanks to a council run scheme funded by the state government..
Wyndham, Hobson’s Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Brimbank and Hume are among the council’s who received the latest round of grants from CALD Outreach Initiative.
Grants totalling $3.5 million will be administered to CALD communities, providing them with improved access to kindergarten, early childhood supports and help in transitioning to primary school.
Outreach teams will visit playgroups, libraries and community hubs to assist CALD families with kindergarten enrollment, hold information sessions and address problems with school attendance.
2500 children have benefitted from the scheme since it began in 2021 following the recommendations of Parliamentary Inquiry into Early Childhood
Engagement that found greater engagement with CALD communities was required.
Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said the latest grants help provide that.
“Access to quality early child education is being made easier by delivering the support needed by families from diverse backgrounds.”
Translated resources and free interpreters are also available to support multicultural communities to engage with kindergarten. For more information, visit vic.gov.au/kinder/translations or vic.gov.au/use-interpreter-early-childhood-education-services.
