We are fully committed to the Safeguarding of Children and Young People, with our focus being on providing safe, enjoyable and inclusive environments at all of our services and programs.
Learning for Life
The Y Ballarat Community Impact Report 2024/2025
More kinder,
more learning,
more benefits
Y Kinders has been at the forefront of the Victorian government’s Best Start, Best Life reform which brings increased hours of free early learning and new opportunities to our communities.
4 Year-Old Kindergarten is transitioning to Pre-Prep, and is rolling out across the state in stages, until 2036.
Commencing at the start of 2025, Y Kinders saw all six of our managed kindergartens in Ararat Rural City in the first stage, offering 30 hours of play based learning for 4 year-olds. Another eight Y Kinders in the Buloke, East Gippsland and Pyrenees Local Government Areas will introduce 20 hours of Pre-Prep in 2026.
More hours of kindergarten will strengthen the education of our youngest community members, equipping them better for school, and also for lifelong learning.
“As the largest provider of sessional kindergarten in the State, we’re proud of our approach as we review and adapt our practices to deliver the best outcomes for children, families and their communities.”
Carly Middleton, Y Kinders’ General Manager
more hours of early learning a year
in Ararat Y Kinders
more Ararat children enrolled in 2025
additional
jobs in the Ararat region in our kinders
Increased hours, enhanced benefits
The arrival of Pre-Prep and increased hours has brought a significant shift for both local families and our teams in Ararat, changing daily routines, work patterns, and the rhythm of family life and kinder operations alike.
Ararat North Kindergarten is one of our six kindergartens to introduce a 30 hour Pre-Prep program for 4 year-olds in 2025.
Research shows that quality early childhood education and care positively impacts children’s development. When children spend more time in play-based learning before school, they get even more benefits.
With change often comes challenge, but there have been significant positive outcomes not just for the children and families, but also for the team.
Kinder families and teacher, Susan McAskell, share some of their experiences.
Boosted early literacy and numeracy
Improved self-regulation
and managing
emotions
Enhanced social
and emotional
growth
More time to build relationships and
communication skills
Consolidated
learning
critical thinking development
From bush to beach and beyond
At Y Kinders, nature is not just a backdrop, it is a powerful teacher.
Bush Kinder and regular nature play is a much-loved and vital experience for children at 44 Y Kinders. Rain or shine, eager children head out along nature trails, to local parklands, to the bush or the beach, where nature becomes the classroom.
These immersive experiences awaken children’s senses and imaginations. Familiar trees take on new identities, and rocks, bushes and stumps provide inspiration as they become a fantasy land, a fairy playground, or even boats in a water world.
It’s unstructured play at its best, fostering creativity, resilience, and connection to the land.
Venturing out
Every year, more children experience the joy of regular extended nature play and Bush Kinder sessions at Y Kinders.
Talbot Kindergarten, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country and in Central Goldfields Shire, was amongst the kindergartens who established their Bush Kinder program over the last year.
Before commencing, there are months of planning and preparation, not just for the teaching team, but also for the children.
Samantha Vella, teacher at the kinder explained, “We prepared for these exciting outings with a number of safety sessions taking into account situations that might arise. This included being safe around water, dog safety and how to cross a busy road as a group. It took considerable time to ensure that we had everything in place, but it’s so worth it.”
When the big day arrived, the Talbot kinder children were ready for their first Bush Kinder adventure. They explored mud-filled waterholes, investigated small creatures and their habitats, climbed trees, and rolled down hills. They delighted in the sights, sounds and textures of the natural world, letting their imaginations run free.
On Country Experiences
Coastal Kinder at Swan Reach Preschool
For the past three years, Swan Reach & District Preschool has been expanding its “Nature on Country” program.
“Swanny Kinder,” located on Gunaikurnai Country, wanted to make the most of the stunning coastal locations nearby, giving children the chance to explore and learn in a variety of environments.
By continuously weaving Indigenous perspectives and learning opportunities into their program, understanding is deepened as children build genuine appreciation, respect, and connection with Country.
These experiences have been made more meaningful through visits from local Koorie Engagement Support Officer, Uncle Hugh, who shares stories and the history of the area.
The learning doesn’t stop at the kinder, children take their curiosity home, reflecting on their adventures and sharing with their families.
“’Nature on Country’ has opened up conversations in our home around ‘being on Country’ and all of the amazing things Norah sees along the way.”
Samantha, Swan Reach Preschool parent
“Alongside many of the other activities we do as part of the program, it was a great initiative to show how we can all be active participants in caring for our environment.”
Tracey Webb, Teacher at Pinjarra Kindergarten
Connecting and caring
Located in a beautiful setting, in Croydon (City of Maroondah), Pinjarra Kindergarten embraces the outdoors.
The kinder’s program connects children with community, culture and Country. Each day begins with an Acknowledgment of Country spoken and signed in Auslan, reinforcing their shared pledge to care for the land of the Wurundjeri people.
Promising to look after the environment takes on real meaning in their daily experiences. How to live more sustainably is integrated in their program – learning to take only what they need, conserving water, recycling and composting.
While on their regular “Walking on Country” trek along the Tarralla Trail, the children became concerned about the rubbish on their route. Their solution was to suggest taking action to look after the Land, setting out with bags and tongs on their excursions to clean up the area.
Leading the way in nature play
Bush Kinder at Nangiloc & District kinder has been something that has grown. Literally.
The service repurposed a neglected block of land at the back of their kinder and through many hours of planning, community involvement, donations and perseverance, it was cleaned up and planted with trees and native shrubs to grow their own “bush”.
They’ve created a rich environment full of wonder, discovery and joy; one that attracts native birds and animals and provides endless opportunities for play without formal equipment.
Fast forward four years, and now interested educators and other kinders come from near and far, to see Bush Kinder in action, to learn from the Nangiloc team and to experience the benefits for themselves.
“We could have never imagined our Bush Kinder program would take off like it has. We’re so thrilled that we’re invited to talk about our Bush Kinder and also host other services who look to our program as an example of what can be achieved.”
Gayle Collett, Teacher, Nangiloc & District Kindergarten
“I love that our Bush Kinder is just in our backyard! We get to explore, play, and find new things every time we go outside.”
Declan, age 4
The joy in the journey
At Y Kinders, exploring ways to incorporate First Nations’ perspectives is always top of mind.
The expansion of Lucas Community Hub and kindergarten was the impetus to consider whether the spaces were as welcoming as they could be.
The creation of a new artwork, “Birnbial Murrup’ (Rainbow Spirit) by local contemporary Indigenous artist, Jenna Oldaker, involved all the Lucas Kindergarten children. They were truly part of the process, taking part in workshops and seeing work in progress.
The beautiful piece, which reflects Wadawurrung Country, the kindergarten as a meeting place and the drawings created by the children, is now displayed in the entry foyer and is unmissable!
Swimming with Penguin Paddlers
Easy for families; fun for children
Y Learn and Swim’s Penguin Paddlers Program, is specially designed for children at the Centre.
During their regular session at either kinder or long day care, children are taken by Educators across to the swim school, where they participate in a weekly swimming class led by qualified instructors.
In addition to making life easier for families, one of the wonderful aspects of the program is that children get to swim with their friends from kinder or daycare. This familiar and supportive environment helps build confidence and safety around water, social skills, and positive associations with swimming, making each lesson a fun and enriching experience. And the children love it!
“I’ve had lots of positive conversations with ‘Penguin Paddlers’ parents, hearing how much fun their children have.
They’ve shared how amazing it’s been, and how much they appreciate the convenience, with no need to juggle extra trips for classes or to coordinate with older siblings.”
Lucy Conn, Swim School Coordinator, Y Learn and Swim
“I work full-time and live on the other side of town, so getting my daughter to swimming has always been a challenge. Once the Penguin Paddlers Program started and all her kinder friends joined, it was all she would talk about.
The independence she’s gained has been incredible. When we go swimming now, or even on holidays, she doesn’t want my help anymore!”
Kindergarten parent, Y Learn and Swim
Learning through the ages
Learning is something we carry with us through every step of life. It sparks curiosity in children, builds confidence in young people, and opens new doors for adults, no matter their age or stage.
Each experience, whether small or life-changing, teaches us something valuable, helping us to grow, connect, and see the world in new ways.
Lifelong learning isn’t just about skills or knowledge; it’s about the joy of discovery, the courage to try something new, and the relationships we build along the way. When we embrace learning, we embrace possibility. We strengthen ourselves, our communities, and the bonds we share with others.
The grandest of friends
Eight Y Kinders regularly visit Aged Care facilities in their area, bringing generations together and fostering empathy, connection, and a sense of belonging for both children and residents.
Whether it’s at Clayton BUPA in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, or in the heart of Buloke Shire at Wycheproof’s Grandview Lodge, or at Lowe Street Aged Care in Ararat, something they all have in common is that their residents’ days have been significantly brightened by visits by Y Kinders’ children.
The impact of sharing time together is immediately evident for both the older generation and children. The children enjoy the experiences, which help them understand others and strengthens feelings of connection to people, place and communities.
From singing songs together, to creating artwork, building with Lego or simply having a conversation, the benefits are obvious for everyone to see.
Knitting generations together
Connecting across generations is a valuable opportunity for sharing, learning, and building mutual understanding.
Not every child has a grandparent in their life, and not every older person has the chance to spend time with children and enjoy their energy, outlook, and fresh perspectives.
During an Outside School Hours Care holiday program excursion, a conversation about a shared interest sparked learning and a passion for knitting, as well as greater community awareness across many After School Care services.
Sharing stories, strengthening pride
Ash and Ruth – two local, young queer people, noticed a disconnect between their peers and community, and felt compelled to take action.
With the support of our Youth team, the idea to create a landmark documentary came to life. By sharing positive stories of queer history and amplifying the voices of older queer community members across regional Victoria, the team aimed to strengthen intergenerational connections and help young people feel a greater sense of belonging within the wider rainbow community.
How Queer Looks is an educational video that not only gives hope to younger queer audiences but offers insight for non-LGBTQIA+ viewers, sharing the struggles, joy and experiences of growing up queer in different decades.
We’re proud to have been part of this project, managing and co-producing How Queer Looks, after being awarded a Healthy Equal Youth Grant (Youth Affairs Council Victoria).
When the time is right
Whether it’s returning to study, stepping into a new job opportunity, or learning a life skill for the first time, timing can make all the difference.
For some, it’s about being in the right headspace or feeling a renewed sense of motivation to pursue a new goal. For others, it’s about finding the courage to take the plunge and build confidence in the water. Our Engage! Life Skills, Jump Start and Adults Swimming programs aim to be there, and to support and reengage learners when the time feels right.
Stepping up to show up
Traditional educational pathways do not suit every young person. So often, success is in the journey or in more subtle changes, than in defined measurable outcomes. And for many, when disengaged from school, the first step can often be the hardest.
At Y Ballarat we are especially passionate about helping to inspire young people to be the best version of themselves. The Things No One Told You program aims to encourage participation in activities that build confidence, life skills and opportunities to engage with the local community.
Life Skills
Life Skills is another of our Youth Engage! programs, designed to give young people meaningful pathways to re-engage with education, or important foundations for independence.
life skills
Job Readiness
Techniques for putting a Resume together and practising interview skills can make all the difference when seeking that first job.
For Rose, it was more than taking that step to apply – it was about knowing about the options available. Our team’s support, access to a computer and new found knowledge about how to look for job opportunities online, gave her the confidence to send in an application… and land the job!
engagement
Beyond Boxing
Since its launch in 2024, over 165 Beyond Boxing sessions have taken place at 10 educational settings in the wider Ballarat area. The program allows young people to regulate their emotions in a healthy manner, as well as developing skills in self-discipline, strength and physical exercise.
Young people are nominated by the school or service to enter the term based program – but it is up to the individual to show up and shine.
life skills
Cooking and Nutrition
In the Life Skills cooking sessions, young people are able to build confidence through choosing a recipe and demonstrate how to cook it to their peers. Central to the classes is the creation of realistic recipes with a limited number of affordable ingredients.
These positive experiences encourage young people to take these skills with them, recreating dishes at home or when they are living independently.
Jump Start
Triumphs over time
For many of us, success doesn’t happen overnight and it can take many different forms. We should never underestimate the power of the journey, or the significance of simply taking that first step.
Our Jump Start automotive re-engagement program for young people hears many stories of achievement, often long after the participants have completed their term with us.
As former Jump Starter Masy shared, having access to learning opportuntities in different formats and the right encouragement can help young people grow and flourish later, leading to life changing outcomes.
“My daughter was academically very bright, but a variety of social and emotional factors meant that traditional school became all too hard. Jump Start gave her a literal lifeline. Time away from school and being off site in the workshop, as well as being treated as an adult learner meant she looked forward to going every week.
The teachers and mentors at Jump Start just got her and knew how to bring out her best. The course gave her a sense of direction and self worth that was so badly needed.”
Michelle, parent of Masy
Jump Starters: Where are they now?
Jump Start Term 2, 2024
“My attendance at school was not great….I loved Jump Start straight away and it showed me that this is what I wanted to do.”
Jacob is studying at Federation TAFE and working at Bond Batteries.
Jump Start Term 1, 2024
Returning to Jump Start after a previous attempt, Jump Start spurred Will on to enrol at TAFE.
Will completed Certificate II in Automotive at Federation TAFE, and is now working at Pedders Suspension & Brakes.
Jump Start Term 2, 2025
“I had not been at school for 2 years. I was quite lost… the Jump Start staff supported me to apply for the TAFE course.”
Ebony is enrolled in a Certificate II in Automotive at Federation TAFE.
It's never too late to learn
“This program gave me the confidence and skills I’ve wanted my whole life. I was never comfortable around water, but now that my grandkids are growing up, I want to be able to enjoy summer with them, by the pool or at the beach and actually join in the fun.”
Participant in Adults’ Swimming Classes, Y Learn and Swim
In response to community requests, Y Learn and Swim launched swimming classes for adults in February 2025.
There was a need for a supportive environment where adults could feel comfortable, develop confidence and learn to be safe in aquatic environments.
Taking place at the end of the day after the regular children’s programs have finished, the classes are designed for non-swimmers through to those wishing to refine their basic stroke technique.
Growing through giving
Thank you to all our volunteers!
In 2025, we are proud to celebrate the contribution of more than 500 volunteers across our kindergartens.
These parents and community members all play a vital role in shaping our children’s learning spaces. They bring great ideas to life through tireless fundraising and building strong local connections.
They are central to our Y Kinder communities and we thank them for their time, their talents and their enthusiasm.
Community
cubby
at Newhaven Kindergarten
A wish of the Newhaven Kinder children was turned into a reality by two parents, Cameron and Tim. They donated their time, skills and materials to design and build a playground cubby.
Tim shared that he was pleased to help, thanking the team for the valuable support his son had received in preparation
for school.
New
insights
at Pinjarra Kindergarten
Through volunteering at her child’s kindergarten, Sandy developed her understanding and appreciation of how young children learn.
Joining in a range of activities, she found a new supportive community, not just for her child but for herself.
Playing a part
at Bayswater North Kindergarten
Being part of the Parent Advisory Group was very rewarding for Karla. Beyond helping to enhance the kindergarten’s learning environment, she also saw her own children inspired to volunteer and take part in their community.
Through these early experiences her family gained lasting lessons in friendship, contribution, and the joy of helping others.
Growing today, ready for tomorrow
At Y Kinders, we see every opportunity, every new kindergarten, partnership, or project, as a chance to learn and grow as an organisation.
As Victoria’s largest sessional kindergarten provider, we recognise our role in ensuring all children can access high-quality early education, wherever they live. This commitment is strengthened by our belief that learning is not just for children, but for us as an organisation too.
Each of our 93 kindergartens brings unique insights, shaped by their communities, families, and educators. We actively listen and reflect, using these experiences to continually enhance our practices and improve outcomes. As new services join the Y Kinders network, we draw on our collective knowledge to support smooth transitions, while also embracing what we learn from each community to inform and evolve our approach.
In the last 12 months we welcomed families back to six upgraded and transformed kindergartens and opened a new kindergarten in Dorrington, in the City of Monash.
Through every project and partnership, Y Kinders continues to evolve, guided by our purpose, shaped by our communities, and committed to learning at every step.
Enrolments
Up from 2,146 in 2020
Local Government Areas
Up from 12 in 2020
Kinder Rooms
Up from 69 in 2020
Sites
Up from 49 in 2020
Introducing our newly refreshed
VALUES
We’ve been proud to introduce our newly refreshed organisational values, developed from a collaborative process that has engaged staff from across all areas of the organisation.
Our organisational values — Belonging, Excellence, Honesty, Nurturing and Respect will be at the core of everything we do.
These have evolved from a consultative and design process which took place at professional development days, staff meetings, and through surveys.
This journey reflects the strength of our Y community, the pride in our purpose and the diversity of our experience across our sites and programs.
“These new values will guide how we work together, support children and families and deliver programs that make a positive difference. They represent our promise to keep evolving while staying true to our core purpose of the Y – empowering young people and strengthening our communities.“
Craig Mathieson, Y Ballarat CEO
Nurturing knowledge
Playing in the Sandbox
Professional development on demand
As the largest sessional kindergarten provider in Victoria, Y Kinders takes seriously, its responsibility to support the learning and development of our people and the broader Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector.
In June 2025, we proudly completed an 18 month project designed to expand professional learning opportunities through the Sandbox platform. This innovative online tool enables ECEC educators to access high-quality professional development whenever and wherever it suits them, for free.
So far, 1,633 educators have used the platform to strengthen their knowledge and skills in key areas such as STEM, nature play, behaviour regulation, and trauma-informed practice.
“Your effort to create such engaging content is evident and greatly valued. Thank you for fostering a learning environment that inspires curiosity and understanding.”
Early Childhood Teacher
“The information was incredibly helpful and there was plenty of information and links for further research.”
Service Leader
“I think it’s great! There are tons of really good content in here, disseminated in a very clear and practical way.“
Occupational Therapist, Early Childhood Specialist
Perfectly placed
We understand the importance of supporting and inspiring the next generation of educators. Over the past year, 127 students have been assisted through placement opportunities at various stages of their learning journeys.
From secondary school students undertaking work experience, to those completing their Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, and others progressing through Diploma and Bachelor level qualifications, we’ve been proud to walk alongside them, providing guidance, experience, and support as they grow in their careers.
Together, these initiatives reflect our deep commitment to nurturing talent, sharing knowledge, and strengthening the ECEC workforce across Victoria.
Lining up to learn
We’ve been focused on meeting the needs of our teams by making the most of our School Readiness Funding to provide meaningful, relevant training opportunities. Staff have embraced the topics on offer, seeing direct links to their practice and clocking up over 4,700 hours of training through these courses and sessions alone.
“Our staff are incredibly passionate about their learning and being better able to support improved outcomes for all children.
They are so enthusiastic about accessing extra training, that we often have waiting lists of people eager to join!”
Michelle Sim, School Readiness Funding Support
hours of training
attendances in staff training sessions
Y Kinders staff
involved
topics offered
Celebrating milestones
We celebrate our people and their milestones because every achievement tells a story of dedication, growth, and teamwork. During the year, we also celebrated 20 years of Y Ballarat’s Youth Services’ operation, and the tenth year of our Bags of Joy initiative making an impact in the lives of young people during Christmas time.
Recognising these moments reminds us that our organisation’s success is built on the passion, skill, and commitment of the individuals who make it all possible.
Y Ballarat Youth Services
Championing Safeguarding
“Since commencing as Safeguarding Lead, and combining this with my role as Pedagogical Leader, what stands out to me across the organisation is the strong commitment to continuous improvement.
Safeguarding is not treated as a checklist, but as a shared responsibility that evolves through reflection, collaboration, and innovation.
What I value most about my role is the opportunity to connect pedagogy and safeguarding in a meaningful way, ensuring that our practices support not just learning, but safety and wellbeing.
Looking ahead, I see the next evolution in our safeguarding approach as further embedding consistent practices across the organisation, so that every staff member, across the organisation and in every service, is further equipped and confident in their role in keeping children and young people safe.”
Rhiannon Musgrove, Safeguarding Lead & Pedagogical Leader
Thank You
We extend warm thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout the year, as we work with and for young people.
We greatly value the collaboration of government partners, local Councils, community groups, volunteers, agencies and businesses, amplifying the reach and effectiveness of our programs, and in turn empowering more young people and their communities.
We also thank the wider Y family, along with all those who participate in and support our programs – children, young people, families and community members. Your commitment over the year has contributed to our evolution and growth, magnified the impact of our programs and helped shape a brighter future.
The Y acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and future.
We would like to acknowledge the past failures to protect children and young people and the trauma that was inflicted upon the victims, survivors, and their families, especially if they were under the Y’s care.
We are committed to addressing and learning from the wrongs of the past and assure all survivors who suffered abuse that we are dedicated to doing everything we can to empower all children and young people- to feel safe and be safe at the Y, in their families and in their communities.
