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General News

19 February, 2024

Kinder funding welcomed

Children of the TL Stone Memorial Kindergarten will be able to experience the great outdoors as part of the State Government’s bush kinder program. The oldest kindergarten in Maryborough received a grant of $6000 to buy necessary age-appropriate...

By Maryborough Advertiser

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett (second from right) visited TL Stone Memorial Kindergarten after they received $6000 to run a bush kinder program.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett (second from right) visited TL Stone Memorial Kindergarten after they received $6000 to run a bush kinder program.

Children of the TL Stone Memorial Kindergarten will be able to experience the great outdoors as part of the State Government’s bush kinder program.

The oldest kindergarten in Maryborough received a grant of $6000 to buy necessary age-appropriate and safety equipment to help run the initiative.

Bush kinder programs can be done in parks, bushlands and beaches to promote activities such as climbing trees, watching wildlife and running through puddles.

Kindergartens can also use the funding to enhance the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environments.

TL Stone Memorial Kindergarten early childhood teacher Jo Hayley said bush kinders have a positive impact on a child’s development.

“I have run a few bush kinders in the past and I have seen how the experience can improve the emotional and social wellbeing of the children,” she said.

“We are really thankful for the grant and we’re excited to be able to offer this wonderful experience to the kids.”

The local kindergarten is one of 150 kindergartens across the state to receive the grant, with the State Government investing $3.6 million over four years to supply bush kinder programs to a further 450 kindergarten services.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the program is a unique education experience, which allows the future generation to challenge themselves and develop an appreciation for nature.

“We’re supporting kindergartens to start bush kinder programs, providing more children with opportunities to get outdoors and learn in a natural environment,” 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.”

Applications for the 2025 round of another 150 bush kinder grants will open in the second half of 2024.

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