The Inclusive Kindergartens Facilities Program provides up to $10,000 per kinder for one or more items that promote inclusiveness for students with a disability.

The new grants totalled $58,000 for nine Wimmera and Grampians kindergartens.

The grants included $8751 for Natumuk Road Kindergarten in Horsham; $2280 for Rupanyup Kindergarten; $7289 for St Arnaud Children’s Precinct, $7085 for St Andrews Kindergarten in Ararat; $6946 for Ararat North Kindergarten; $2677 for Ararat Early Learning Centre, $8418 for Jack and Jill Kindergarten in Ararat ($8,418); $7382 Carey Street Kindergarten in Ararat and $7232 for Willaura Kindergarten.

Western Victoria MP Jaala Pulford said children would now benefit from new equipment such as wheelchair ramps, moveable change tables, sensory playkits, adjustable chairs and Braille books.

“It’s wonderful to know kids in the Wimmera will benefit from even more inclusive, welcoming environments when at kinder,” she said.

Jack and Jill Ararat director and teacher Nerissa Gee said she applied for “some great modular foam blocks to use in play outside and also an activity table with adjustable height that any children with different abilities can access.”

Horsham and District Kindergarten Association was not available for comment.