It’s why, in this Budget, the Victorian Government is delivering tangible support – and giving families one less thing to worry about.
That includes introducing a one-off $400 School Saving Bonus to help families cover the costs of children’s schooling.
We’re also tripling the size of our Glasses for Kids program, helping more kids to be their best in the classroom.
And we’re making sure more young Victorians can enjoy getting active – with support to cover the cost of sports and recreation.
$400 School Saving Bonus
With the current cost of living – uniforms, camps and other extracurriculars can really add up.
That’s why we’re helping families cover these costs, providing $287 million to deliver our School Saving Bonus.
This bonus will give families with children at government schools, and eligible families at non-government schools, a $400 boost to help with uniforms, camps, excursions and sporting events.
Making sure it’s available for families in time for Term 1, 2025 – we’ll work with our schools on the rollout.
Glasses for more students
Across our state, 34,000 students are benefitting from our free Glasses for Kids program.
Now, the Victorian Government is making sure even more young Victorians can see clearly in the classroom.
Funding of $6.8 million will triple the size of the program – reaching a further 74,000 Prep to Grade 3 students at 473 government schools across the state.
Providing free screenings and glasses for students who need them, this investment will help identify vision issues early – and stop them holding young learners back.
And just like our Smile Squad, this support is provided at school – meaning busy families no longer need to juggle appointment times or incur additional out-of-pocket costs.
Active kids
We know a great education is about so much more than sitting in a classroom.
Through our Get Active Kids Vouchers, we’ve provided 140,000 vouchers to help young Victorians play the sport they love.
A further $6 million will extend this program, providing vouchers worth up to $200 to help eligible families cover the cost of sports.
We are also investing $116 million in the Active Schools Program, including $73 million to support schools to run swimming and water safety programs for their students.
This funding will help kids gain the skills and confidence they need to get active, while also helping to offer new sports, education and active recreation programs.
These investments build on the Victorian Government’s existing cost of living relief for families across our state:
- More than 82,000 Victorian students have benefitted from dental check-ups and treatment through our Smile Squad.
- Our Free Kinder reforms have saved around 140,000 families as much as $2,500 in fees.
- Our School Breakfast Clubs are helping make sure more kids are starting the school day with a full tummy.
- Parents of newborn children are benefitting from our Baby Bundles, while young Victorians are learning and playing thanks to our Kinder Kits and Prep Bags.
- Our Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund is helping to support families with a concession card.
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