Brimbank Council welcomes the State Government’s announcement of new funding to support the CALD Outreach Initiative in Brimbank.
The funding will help families and their children from culturally diverse background access to Early Years programs including universal access to Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and kindergarten.
Minister for Children, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn announced $7.47 million in CALD Outreach Initiative grants for 25 councils.
Under the CALD Outreach Initiative, Brimbank Council can employ a Vietnamese speaking outreach professional to work directly with local families to support kindergarten enrolments.
The role also helps address barriers to kindergarten access and participation for children and families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background. It includes supporting families as they transition from kindergarten to school.
The CALD Outreach Initiative has been implemented in Brimbank since its inception in 2021.
In that time, Council has helped over 1350 children to register and enrol in kindergarten and supported over 1000 children in Early Years programs like MCH, playgroups and parenting programs along with transition to school.
The new funding will allow Council to extend support to children and families for another two and half years.
Brimbank Mayor Cr Thuy Dang said the State Government funding will give CALD families living in Brimbank better access to early childhood education and the support they need.
“We’re proud to deliver much-needed support for families – ensuring more local kids, no matter their background, get a great early education and essential skills for life.
“Every child deserves the best start in life, and our priority is delivering better access to kindergarten for multicultural communities.”
More info
For more information on kindergarten and how to enrol your child, visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/kindergarten
