General News
6 March, 2024
Bush kinder
CHILDREN in the Corangamite shire will have a chance to learn and play in the great outdoors, thanks to an expansion of bush kinder programs.
Labor Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced four local kindergartens – Cobden and District Kindergarten, Simpson and District Kindergarten, Timboon and District Kindergarten and Terang Children’s Centre - will receive one-off grants of $6000 to offer a bush kinder program in 2024.
Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland and beaches - giving children a unique opportunity and freedom to learn through play with natural materials in outdoors.
The programs are educational and exciting – with a significant positive impact on a child’s development, as well as on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
The $6000 grants will help kindergartens buy the equipment they need to run programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials, and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife.
Kindergartens without access to a suitable off-site location can use their grant funding to enhance the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environment.
Ms Tierney congratulated the local recipients of the grant.
“Children gain so much through being creative and getting active outdoors, which is why I am so pleased to announce the expansion of our Bush Kinder program to more services across Western Victoria,” she said.
“Bush kinder programs are not just fun and educational, they also help to keep kids active and connect them with nature – boosting their health, wellbeing and development.”