General News
16 April, 2026
Free kinder expands to Corangamite Shire
THE Victorian Government has announced free four-year-old kinder has been introduced for families in Terang and surrounds.
Corangamite Shire has been included in the 2026 rollout of the program with up to 20 hours of kinder available.
After commencing the new program in six local government areas (LGAs) last year, Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said Labor was transforming four-year-old kinder with more hours of play-based learning available.
“This is four-year-old kinder made better,” she said.
“More hours, less fees and the same great educators that families already trust.”
Children will still go to the same kinder they know and love, but with more hours – between 16-30 every week.
For some children this means double the amount of early education before they start school.
More than 130 funded kindergarten services now offer the expanded program, with more than 3000 children set to benefit savings of up to $2700 per child.
“Every hour in kinder is an investment in a child’s future – and every dollar families save on fees is money back in the family budget,” Ms Blandthorne said.
In addition to the expansion into 12 new LGAs, children from priority cohorts across Victoria are now eligible for the extra hours of learning.
This includes Aboriginal children, those from refugee backgrounds and children who have had contact with Child Protection.
Find out more about the Free Kinder program at vic.gov.au/free-kinder.