MELBOURNE, 9 May 2023: Families and children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds are accessing and attending kindergarten, thanks to council-led outreach programs supported by the Victorian Government.
Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt today visited Springvale Service for Children to get updated about the recipients of 22 CALD Outreach Initiative grants and meet families in the City of Greater Dandenong who have benefitted from the program. Addressing the media Premier Daniel Andrews said many of the beneficiaries had come here from troubled parts of the world and appreciated the work of the ‘Springvale Service for Children’ for doing a good job.
The CALD Outreach Initiative started in eight local councils in 2021 and has already supported more than 2,500 children to enrol in and attend kindergarten. With more local councils now joining the program, it will see more children from diverse backgrounds benefit from the Labor Government’s $14 billion Best Start, Best life reforms.
Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt said, “We’re ensuring that families from every background have the resources and support they need to ensure their kids get the most out of early education – delivering more Victorian kids the best start in life.“ She praised the work done by the City of Greater Dandenong council under the program.
According to a media release, the CALD Outreach Initiative grant recipients are:
Banyule City Council, Brimbank City Council, Casey City Council, Darebin City Council, Greater Bendigo City Council, Greater Dandenong City Council, Greater Geelong City Council, Hobsons Bay City Council, Hume City Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Maroondah City Council, Melbourne City Council, Melton City Council, Merri-bek City Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Monash City Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Moorabool Shire Council, Whittlesea City Council, Wyndham City Council, Yarra City Council, Yarra Ranges Shire Council
* Greater Shepparton City Council and Cardinia Shire Council will also have a CALD outreach worker in place until mid-2023, supported by funding received through previous grants.
