The State Government is supporting free, family-friendly events across Victoria as part of this year’s Children’s Week celebrations.
Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn is inviting eligible groups to apply for grants of up to $1000 to fill Children’s Week this October with free community events and activities.
“Children’s Week is an opportunity for Victorian families to enjoy free, engaging experiences across the state that could well pique their child’s interest in something new and set them up for a lifetime of learning,” Ms Blandthorn said.
“October is a celebration of childhood and the achievements of children – so I encourage every eligible organisation to apply for the grants ahead of the action-packed week of special events.”
Grants support events and activities like storytelling sessions, teddy-bear picnics, day festivals, cooking lessons, dancing workshops, planting days, sensory activities and musical performances.
The Labor Government last year delivered more than 200 grants to organisations – with more than 37,500 children and families taking part in Children’s Week activities across the state.
Last year’s events included Holden Street Neighbourhood House which hosted a ‘from garden to grub’ workshop for children aged between three and 10, where they learnt about the importance of caring for the environment by planting seeds and building mini gardens from recycled materials.
Yarra Valley ECOSS hosted a full day of multicultural performances, music, dance, storytelling and food from around the world. The event included a workshop on African drumming and a dance demonstration by the Djirri Djirri Wurundjeri women’s dance group.
Glen Park Community Centre held an event featuring science experiments and a community safety presentation.
Children’s Week is a national campaign that celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood, showcasing their achievements while providing educational activities. The theme this year is Everyone should know about Children’s Rights! – based on Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Applications for a 2025 Children’s Week grant close on Tuesday, 17 June. Visit vic.gov.au/childrens-week-grants-program to apply. Children’s Week this year runs from Saturday, 18 October, to Sunday, 26 October.
