The Andrews Labor Government is supporting a jam-packed schedule of free community events and activities for this year’s Children’s Week, offering Victoria’s littlest learners an immersive week of celebration and education.

Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt today opened grant applications for Victorian councils and not-for-profit organisations to host free community events in celebration of children, childhood and learning through play.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to $1,000 to host exciting educational events and activities for children and families during Children’s Week, which this year runs from 21 to 29 October.

The grants support free activities including cooking sessions, art exhibitions, outdoor play, dance workshops, musical performances, storytelling and picnics for our littlest Victorians to learn through play.

This year’s theme is Children have the right to relax, play and to take part in activities they enjoy from Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, aligning with our world-class Best Start, Best Life early childhood education reforms.

Children’s Week is a national campaign that celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It showcases their achievements while providing educational experiences for them and their families.

More than 26,500 children and families took part in Children’s Week activities last year, with the Labor Government supporting more than 125 Children’s Week events through grant funding.

Making Victoria the Education State starts with the early years. That’s why the Labor Government is delivering nation-leading initiatives like Three-Year-Old Kinder, Free Kinder and the transition to Pre-Prep alongside record investment in the skilled workforce and infrastructure we need to give every child the best start in life.

Applications for Children’s Week grants close on 16 July 2023. To apply, visit vic.gov.au/childrens-week