Wednesday 6 November 2025
The Victorian Government has signed a Building Blocks Partnership worth up to $14.62 million with Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education & Care Limited (SCECE&C) to plan and construct four modular kindergartens across the Sandhurst Diocese.
The new centres will be located at:
- St Thomas Aquinas Primary School in Huntly - with one kinder room opening in 2027 and a second in 2028
- St Peter's Primary School in North Bendigo - two kinder rooms opening in 2027
- St Francis of Assisi Primary School in Baranduda - two kinder rooms opening in 2029
- St Anne's College in Kialla - two kinder rooms opening in 2029
Announcing the deal at St Peter's Primary School on Wednesday 5 November 2025, Victorian Minister for Children, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn said:
“Kindergarten is an incredibly important part of a child’s early education. This new Building Blocks Partnership with Sandhurst Early Childhood will deliver more than 350 extra kindergarten places for Victorian children and families.
“We’re continuing to support young Victorians and their families to get the best possible start in life through a high quality kinder.”
Pictured above: Victorian Minister for Children, the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn announces four new kindergartens for SCECE&C
SCECE&C Chief Early Childhood Officer Carla Jeffrey said the partnership recognises and strengthens early learning in regional communities.
“Today’s announcement under the Building Blocks Partnership is a moment of real significance, not just for our diocese but for the provision of early childhood education in Victoria," says Ms Jeffrey.
"We are incredibly honoured that the work of Sandhurst Catholic Early Childhood Education and Care in supporting families and delivering high-quality early learning across rural and regional Victoria is being recognised and strengthened through this investment.”
Ms Jeffrey said the investment would reach “into the heart of rural and regional Victoria”.
“For many families in these areas, a local kindergarten is more than a place of learning, it’s a hub of connection, support and opportunity. This partnership will also help us respond to the unique needs of our communities, particularly in areas where access to early learning has historically been limited.
"At SCECE&C we are privileged to work alongside dedicated educators, families and leaders to deliver early childhood programs that are inclusive, nurturing and responsive to the unique needs of every child. We believe that every child, regardless of their postcode, deserves the best possible start in life.”
She said the funding would back purpose-built, welcoming spaces that “inspire creativity and confidence” and thanked the Victorian Government and Minister Blandthorn for their “leadership and vision”.
Pictured above: Catholic Education Sandhurst Executive Director Kate Fogarty.
The agreement forms part of the state’s Best Start, Best Life reforms, which include delivering 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and 30 hours of pre-prep each week by 2036. The Government has now entered 20 Building Blocks Partnerships - 17 with local councils and three with non-government school organisations - supporting 118 new and expanded kindergartens and more than 15,000 additional places across Victoria.
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