Mallee included in childcare funding

F“The funds will support services in Horsham, Donald, Mildura, St Arnaud, Nhill, Dimboola, Birchip, Merbein and Warracknabeal that might need support to keep operating, or to fund capital projects to improve services and increase the number of places available” – Anne Webster

ederal Member for Mallee Anne Webster has welcomed the allocation of an additional $2.6-million to support childcare services across her electorate.

She said the money through the Federal Government’s Community Child Care Fund, would help meet the needs of families accessing services from 14 service providers.

“The funds will support services in Horsham, Donald, Mildura, St Arnaud, Nhill, Dimboola, Birchip, Merbein and Warracknabeal that might need support to keep operating, or to fund capital projects to improve services and increase the number of places available,” she said.

The fund is designed to help improve access to childcare and increase workforce participation in remote, regional and disadvantaged communities.

“This funding will help local childcare services improve access to quality care, particularly in more rural, remote and disadvantaged parts of Mallee,” Dr Webster said.

“It will be good for our local kids, good for our hard-working families and ultimately for our community.

“It will also have a positive economic benefit by allowing more local parents to get back into work or to take on additional hours if they choose.”

Education and Youth Minister Alan Tudge said more than 640 childcare services across Australia would share in more than $100-million through the program.

“We are committed to giving every Australian family access to quality childcare, regardless of where they live or their circumstances,” he said.

“In some remote areas, there might only be one or two childcare services operating and it is critical we keep these open and help improve and expand facilities so more kids can attend.

“This program also helps services to run initiatives that reduce barriers, which may otherwise prevent local kids from accessing care.”

Regional Education Minister Bridget Mckenzie said the Community Child Care Fund would help ensure childcare continued to be available for many families in Mallee.

“These grants will have tangible benefits for childcare providers that will flow to local children and their families,” she said.

“It means more families in Mallee can take advantage of our child care subsidy if they choose to work, learn or volunteer.”