More support for New England child care
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, will today visit the New England area to meet with local parents and children’s service providers.
“I am pleased Nationals’ Senator Sandy Macdonald and Nationals’ candidate for New England, Trevor Khan have invited me to visit the area and see first hand the work children’s and families services do to support local families.”
Mr Anthony visited the Birrelee Child Care Centre in Tamworth, which received Australian Government funding of $9,875 to install security fencing around its playground.
“Birrelee is a Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services Centre and one of nine services in New England to share the benefits of a recent round of Government funding. They will also receive separate funding to enhance their service provision to rural and regional families.
“Other children’s services in the area to receive funding include, The Rainbow Cottage Occasional Child Care Centre and the newly created Challenge Disability Services outfit, which offers in-home care.
“I’m particularly interested in Challenge Disability Service’s In-home care where the total funding of $14,300 will enable the new service to cater for up to 10 people requiring this type of home-based care.
“Rainbow Cottage will use the $16,400 funding to extend its existing storage area.
“In Armidale, the Hobbit New England Preschool and Child Care Centre’s $23,900 funding will update bathroom facilities, install air conditioning and, among other things, provide for some much-needed safety glass.
“The Gum Tree Glen Children’s Centre in Glen Innes is planning to use its $20,000 grant to upgrade kitchen facilities, the nappy change area and replace carpets.
“Child care services help give our children an important basis from which to grow, especially in regional areas these services are not only a place for children to learn, but a meeting place for parents and community members.
“Sandy Macdonald is a strong voice for rural and regional families. I also know that Trevor Khan would do a great job representing the needs of New England families in Canberra,” Mr Anthony said.