More kindergarten hours coming in 2027
Published on 05 May 2026
West Wimmera Shire families can now register for three-year-old kindergarten in 2027.
As part of the State Government’s Pre-Prep rollout, four-year-old kindergarten will increase to 20 hours per week from 2027, expanding to 30 hours per week by 2031.
To support planning for these changes, families are invited to add their child’s name to the 2027 three-year-old kindergarten waiting list.
Early registrations will help Council plan session times, locations and service delivery across the shire.
Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said Council was working closely with the Department of Education to prepare for the expanded program.
“We want to ensure all our kindergarten services continue to meet the needs of families and provide high-quality early learning opportunities,” he said.
Community members will also have the opportunity to learn more about the Pre-Prep rollout at an upcoming information session at Henley Park in Edenhope on Saturday 6 June.
Department of Education representatives will be available throughout the day to answer questions about Free Kinder, Pre-Prep and enrolments.
Mr Bezuidenhout said the Pre-Prep program would give West Wimmera children more opportunities to learn and socialise, while reducing pressure on the shire’s childcare services.
“We currently offer 15 hours of both three- and four-year-old kindergarten, which is free to all families,” he said.
“Adding Pre-Prep to our four-year-old kindergarten program will further help with child development and getting kids ready for school.”
Children currently enrolled in four-year-old kindergarten will not need to re-enrol.
Further information about session times and enrolment processes will be provided once enrolments are confirmed.
Families can register their interest and find more information at:
https://www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Community/Family-and-children/Kindergarten
Additional information about kindergarten and the Pre-Prep rollout is available at www.vic.gov.au/kinder.