The Allan Labor Government is focused on what matters most: real support for children and families to ensure they stay safe and connected.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn visited Yirram Burron Kinder in Sebastapol, run by Ballarat & District Aboriginal Cooperative, to announce nearly $30 million in funding for Aboriginal-led programs and services aimed at giving children the best start in life.

The Victorian Budget 2025/26 delivers nearly $25 million to strengthen Aboriginal-led child and family services – because the best outcomes are achieved when Aboriginal communities design and deliver the programs that support them.

This includes an expansion of the nation-leading Community Protecting Boorais program, supporting Aboriginal organisations to lead investigations and deliver early support to families, keeping children safe and connected to their culture.

This investment will also deliver funding for the Aboriginal Children’s Forum and Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance.

In addition to this, the Budget delivers $5.3 million in funding for kinder programs delivered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Starting in 2026, a funding uplift as well as a new single funding stream means that Aboriginal owned and operated centres including Yirram Burron will have greater investment and control over their funding in line with the Labor Government’s focus on self-determination.

More than 3,700 Aboriginal children enrolled in kinder in 2024, the highest number on record. This additional investment will also enable more ACCOs to establish kindergarten services, with predictable funding also helping them to plan and deliver more places across Victoria.

An additional $15 million in Building Blocks grants will support upgrades to early learning facilities – making spaces more modern, inclusive and accessible for Aboriginal children and families.

This builds on more than $121 million invested in early childhood infrastructure – delivering more than 637 upgraded and improved projects across Victoria.

Quote attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“We’re backing Aboriginal communities to lead the services that support their children – because Aboriginal-led solutions keep families strong, and kids safe, connected and thriving.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“This investment is about making sure families in Ballarat and across our region have access to services that are designed by community, for community – because that’s how we get the best outcomes for children.”

Quote attributable to Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative CEO Karen Heap

“This early years funding will ensure the best start for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, with services that are led by community and grounded in culture.”