Victoria Adds Free Health Visits for Every Young Child

Every Victorian child will soon get two additional free checkups with health nurses, ensuring developmental needs are caught before they become bigger challenges.

The state government announced the expansion as part of its new Thriving Kids program, which launches in October 2026. All children will receive the extra visits before kindergarten and as they start school, on top of the 10 visits already available from birth to age three and a half.

The program represents a major shift in how Victoria supports young children with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism. These children will transition from the National Disability Insurance Scheme to state-run services between now and 2028, while kids with high support needs will remain on the NDIS.

Victoria is investing $514 million into the five-year program, with the Commonwealth adding $360 million. The funding will hire more allied health professionals and support workers who will be based at maternal health centers, kindergartens, and early parenting facilities.

Children's Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said families have been clear about what they want: easier access to help that meets them where they are. Some kids might need brief support with motor skills or speech, while others will need ongoing assistance as they grow.

The Ripple Effect

The program does more than just shift children between funding systems. By adding universal health visits for all Victorian children, the state is creating a safety net that catches developmental concerns early, when interventions work best.

Co-locating specialists with the places families already visit means parents won't need to navigate complex referral systems or wait months for appointments. Help will be available where children already spend their time.

The state is also reviewing whether to concentrate the existing 10 visits earlier in a child's life, potentially giving families more intensive support during crucial developmental windows before age three.

Victoria's approach shows how governments can redesign support systems around what families actually need rather than bureaucratic categories. When a four-year-old struggles with speech or coordination, parents want quick access to someone who can help, not a maze of eligibility requirements.

The investment in early childhood means fewer kids will reach school age without the support they need to thrive.