The Allan Labor Government is giving more Victorian families access to high-quality toys and equipment for children to explore and learn through play – with $445,000 in funding delivered through the first round of Toy Library Grants, including two grants of $40,000 to deliver six new toy libraries across the state. 

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today announced the Maryborough Toy Library is one of 58 not-for-profit toy libraries to receive a one-off grant of $6000 to renew their toys and equipment, improve their member offering and grow their membership. 

Toy libraries are important community hubs that provide children and families with access to creative and educational toys, ensuring children get to use their imaginations and explore through equipment offered by the services. 

They offer an alternative to buying toys, help teach children about recycling, provide social and emotional support, and connect parents and carers with other community services. 

Largely staffed by volunteers, toy libraries also promote the importance of early childhood education among their members – so more children from diverse backgrounds can access and attend kinder. 

The 2024 Toy Library Grants Program will open in the coming months. For more information, visit www.vic.gov.au/toy-library-grants-program 

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett  

“Toy libraries offer so much value for local communities – this funding will help the Maryborough Toy Library support more families to save money and give countless children hours of learning through play.” 

“Having a whole library of toys and equipment to choose from, no matter their background or financial situation, will help inspire children to explore and use their imagination.”