News

Bush Kinder grows in the Goulburn Valley

By Taylah Baker

Feb 13, 2026

Gumboots on, gloves ready and excitement levels high — Bush Kinder is calling. Pictured: Mabel Alletsee. Photo by Megan Fisher

Hundreds more children will soon swap the classroom for the call of the wild, with the Victorian Government expanding its popular Bush Kinder program.

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Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced 150 additional kindergartens would begin running Bush Kinder programs from 2026, backed by more than $900,000 in new funding.

Nine of those services are in the Goulburn Valley.

They include:

Colbinabbin Preschool
Violet Town and District Early Childhood Centre
Goodstart Early Learning Echuca
Shine Bright Echuca Central Kindergarten
Shine Bright Lockington Kindergarten
Country Buddies Woods Road in Shepparton
Guthrie Street Child Care Centre in Shepparton
Barmah Outreach Kindergarten in Shepparton
Toolamba Preschool

Bush Kinder takes education beyond four walls and into parks, bushland and beaches, where children learn through supervised outdoor play.

The program supports physical and cognitive development while encouraging independence, confidence and problem-solving skills — benefits Ms Blandthorn said should be accessible to all Victorian children.

“Every child, from regional communities to our smallest suburbs, deserves the chance to learn in nature, to climb, explore and discover,” she said.

“Bush Kinder gives them that freedom — and we’re proud to help 150 more kinders take learning outdoors.”

The expansion is part of a broader $3.6 million government investment to support Bush Kinder programs at up to 600 kindergarten services statewide.

Since the grants program began, 300 services have already received funding to establish or enhance their outdoor learning offerings.

More information about Bush Kinder grants is available at vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program