Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos today announced 59 recipients of the 2016 Great Start Community Playgroup grants, targeting regional areas and centres without existing playgroups.

The $50,000 investment will support the opening of 36 new playgroups and help 23 existing playgroups expand the number of sessions they run.

Grants will support 10 playgroups in growth areas, 20 playgroups in rural areas and 29 playgroups in metropolitan Melbourne.

The successful grant recipients will get resources and mentoring support for their newly established community playgroup, valued at up to $1000.

More than 40,000 children and 30,000 families participate in playgroups in Victoria each year.

Playgroups play a vital role in strengthening families and communities, and instilling Victorian children with a lifelong love of learning.

Playgroups help new parents connect with one another, enabling them to learn from and support each other as their children grow.

We are making Victoria the Education State – this starts with giving every child a strong start in life.