The Allan Labour Government has announced more than $1.6 million in grants to make it easier for Victorian families to enrol their children in kindergarten through expanded central registration systems.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the funding would support councils in 58 local government areas to improve or establish a Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme (CRES), giving families a single point of entry to register for multiple kindergarten services. The aim is to reduce stress, cut red tape and ensure every child can access quality early learning.
The initiative will also remove enrolment fees for families, eliminating extra costs at a time when many households are under financial pressure.
Greater Geelong will join the list of areas using CRES for the first time, with up to $60,000 to create a coordinated system covering all sessional kindergarten providers by 2026. Councils receiving grants will be supported in the rollout by the Municipal Association of Victoria.
With Free Kinder already saving families up to $2,600 per child each year, the government says central enrolment is one less thing for parents to worry about. This investment will also help prepare councils for the planned 2026 expansion of Pre-Prep in 12 more local government areas, as well as increased kindergarten hours statewide for children who will benefit most.
The CRES grants form part of the government’s $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, which aim to transform early childhood education, reduce costs for families and help parents return to work or study.
“Central enrolment takes the guesswork out of kindergarten—families don’t have to navigate complex systems or worry about missing out, they just apply once and have more options close to home,” Ms Blandthorn said.
“Wherever you live in Victoria, every family deserves a simple and fair way to access kindergarten—and that’s exactly what our investment delivers.”
Member for Geelong Chris Couzens said, “Families across Greater Geelong will soon have a simpler way to enrol their children in kindergarten—thanks to our $60,000 investment to build a streamlined, central enrolment system.”
Member for Lara Ella George added, “We know kinder helps children build confidence, friendships, and foundational skills—but too many families still face barriers to enrolling. That’s why we’re investing in systems that put children first.”
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said, “Every child in Geelong deserves the best start in life which is why CRES is coming to Geelong—to help families navigate kinder registration and enrolment.”
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