Media Release by The Hon Jenny Macklin MP

Funding boost for Taree playgroup

Joint Media Release with:

  • Peter Garrett MP
    Minister for School Education, Early Childhood and Youth

Families in Taree will continue to have access to critical early childhood support with the Australian Government providing a $306,000 funding boost for the local Good Beginnings playgroup at Manning Gardens Public School.

The Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said the investment would allow the playgroup to continue the employment of three staff under the Play2Learn Plus program – a program coordinator, an early childhood worker and a community engagement worker.

“The Good Beginnings playgroup does a great job making sure kids in Taree can get the best possible start in life with fun and educational activities that involve local children as well as their parents,” Ms Macklin said.

“Parents can receive one-on-one support for their child to improve important early learning skills such as literacy and numeracy. This helps to prepare kids for school and involves parents in their child’s education right from the start.

“This funding boost will help Good Beginning’s services to provide even more support for local parents and their children, particularly Indigenous families in Taree.”

The Minister for Early Childhood and Youth, Peter Garrett, said the playgroup had become a valuable service for families in Taree.

“Currently, about 120 children and their families regularly access this terrific free service, including more than 60 Indigenous children,” Mr Garrett said.

“The centre is making a really important contribution to early childhood services in Taree, and has formed strong relationships with other service providers in the region to help make sure local kids can make a smooth transition from playgroup to school.”

The Play2Learn Plus funding boost is part of the Australian Government’s $1 billion Family Support Program.

The Family Support Program provides services in over 2,300 locations across Australia to support families, improve children’s wellbeing and safety, and build stronger communities.

The Australian Government is providing more than $3.9 million in funding to community organisations throughout Greater Taree over two years under the Family Support Program, delivering services such as parenting skills training, relationship counselling and intensive support for vulnerable families.