Facelift for the Alexander Beetle House child care centre
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, and Senator for Tasmania, Richard Colbeck, today officially opened the refurbished Alexander Beetle House Child Care Centre in Burnie.
“Around $350,000 in Commonwealth Government funding was provided to enhance the facilities at Alexander Beetle House which will help the service build on its reputation for high quality care developed over the past 25 years,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Sponsored by Burnie City Council, Alex Beetle House provides full-time, part-time and casual care for up to 60 children at one time. This refurbishment has allowed Alexander Beetle House to better accommodate the varying needs of families.
“Renovations include a new roof, sleep room for toddlers and infants, larger indoor play area, a training room for staff, coordinator’s office and staff room and a sail structure over the infant playground for sun protection.
“It is essential the centre has these facilities to meet the demand of local families. The result is better child care services for families in the Burnie area and improved working conditions for staff,” Senator Colebeck said.
Mr Anthony and Senator Colebeck also visited Milpara After School Care program and Wisteria Lane Children’s Centre.
“The Coalition Government has put unprecedented levels of funding to make child care more affordable through the Child Care Benefit. We have spent $6 billion in the last four years and have committed around $8 billion for the next four years.
“This increased funding is giving parents more assistance than ever before to subsidise their child care costs. It has been responsible for 720,000 children – a record number – using Commonwealth approved child care.
“It has also been responsible for the number of services increasing by 2,000 and 190,000 more child care places.
“Senator Colbeck is a strong advocate for Tasmanian families ensuring quality child care and first-rate facilities,” Mr Anthony said.
Families requiring more information on child care can phone the Department of Family and Community Services’ Child Care Access Hotline on 1800 670 305.