Kindergarten applications now open for 2025 and 2026

Applications for the 3-year-old kindergarten program in 2025 and the 4-year-old kindergarten program in 2026 are now open.

With 43 kindergartens in the City of Whittlesea, including the newly opened Murnong Kindergarten in Donnybrook, families can now access two years of kindergarten at no cost. 

Thanks to funding received from the Department of Education, the City of Whittlesea is waiving the application fee, saving families up to $46. This initiative aims to make it even easier for families to enrol their children in these essential early education programs.

Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson encouraged parents, carers, and children to take the opportunity to meet the kindergarten teachers and explore the learning environment at the upcoming kindergarten open days.

“Kindergarten lays the foundation for a child's lifelong love of learning. It is a place where young minds are nurtured, curiosity is sparked and social skills are developed. The experiences gained during these formative years are instrumental in shaping confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals,” Lydia said.

“We invite parents, carers, and children to come along and chat to the kindergarten teachers and explore all that’s on offer at your local kindergarten.”

The open days will be held on:

• Thursday, 29 February from 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
• Saturday, 2 March from 9.30 am – 11.30 am

All families are welcome to drop in during the specified times with no bookings required.

To find your closest participating kinder or to apply online visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/kinder. 

In addition to the Kinder open events, the City of Whittlesea is offering free ‘help’ sessions in February and June to assist families with completing the kindergarten applications. These sessions provide support in filling out the kinder applications, understanding immunisation requirements, Early Start Kinder information, and more. Translators will also be available to support families from non-English speaking backgrounds.

To view more about the information sessions, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/kinderhelp.

For additional information call 9217 2170 and ask to speak to the Children and Families department or email keo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

To learn about kindergarten in your language, visit www.vic.gov.au/kinder/translations.