Equipment grants available to eligible child care services

More than $4.5 million in one-off equipment grants will be provided to 360 child care services to help them replace or upgrade equipment.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, today announced that eligible services across Australia will receive grants of between $5,000 and $20,000.

“These grants are flexible and provide an opportunity for eligible child care services to replace or upgrade their current equipment,” Mr Brough said.

“Equipment needs can range from play equipment to bikes, toys, books, games, white goods, cots, change tables, outdoor play equipment and minor repairs and maintenance.

“The grants will be offered to about 360 child care services funded through the Child Care Support Program.

“They are primarily located in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Eligible services include Mobile Child Care Services, Multifunctional Aboriginal Child Care Services and JET Crèches.

“These grants will assist services to maintain age appropriate toys and equipment which is essential to ensure that children are provided with the tools to develop their gross motor and cognitive skills in an appropriately resourced environment.

“These grants will be offered directly to eligible services in the coming weeks,” Mr Brough said.