The groundswell for the kindergarten movement in Australia began at a time of great concern for many young children living with their families, who had no access to appropriate education.
In August of 1895, a meeting of kindergarten enthusiasts was held and those present formed themselves into a provisional committee of The Kindergarten Union. They were led by the well known feminist and educator Maybanke Anderson.
The stated objectives of this committee were to:
- set forth kindergarten principles,
- endeavour to introduce those principles into every school,
- open Free Kindergartens wherever possible.
In the first ten years, the Kindergarten Union founded a training college and trained over 200 students.
