Eight child care operators in the Gilmore electorate will share in more than $1.7 million federal funding to help them address barriers to participation, particularly targeting disadvantaged and vulnerable families and communities.
The Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) aims to improve early learning, schooling, student educational outcomes and transitions to and from school through access to quality early childhood education and care, support, parent engagement, quality teaching and learning environments.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said the funding would help services in Gilmore to remain viable and sustainable, and help with the cost of renovating, extending, or building new facilities.
“I’m thrilled that we’re supporting eight local child care and early education centres, family day care providers and out of school hours care facilities to help improve or extend their services,” Mrs Phillips said.
“By opening longer hours, or providing additional services, it means more parent and carers will be able to have greater choice when it comes to increasing their hours of work or education, knowing their children are being cared for.
“Child care services in regional areas like Gilmore are so important, and ensure children can access the transformational benefits of early learning no matter where they live.”
ECTARC’s Clipper Road Early Education and Care Service in East Nowra will receive $387,727 to bring together educators and early intervention specialists to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families.
Service CEO Anita Kumar said the funding would “make a world of difference to the staff, children and families who utilise the service”.
“It will provide us with a child and family practitioner, psychologist and a key worker to further support children and families dealing with vulnerabilities, complex health issues and / or living in disadvantaged children and families,” she said.
“This funding will allow us to help shift life trajectories for children so that they have an opportunity to flourish. It will support educators in developing skills, knowledge as well as access much needed allied health support.
“We greatly appreciate this funding, which will help us further strengthen our service to continue to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
ECTARC has supported the Illawarra and Shoalhaven communities for almost 40 years.
Mrs Phillips said the funding came as the Albanese Government a 15 per cent pay rise for Early Childhood Education and Care workers.
“The wonderful, dedicated individuals that nurture our youngest citizens are some of the most vital workers in our country,” she said.
“They deserve our thanks, and they deserve to be paid properly. That’s why I wholeheartedly welcome this government’s decision to fund a 15 per cent pay rise.
“Early educators are helping shape the youngest generation in my electorate of Gilmore. As a mum of four, I’ve seen first-hand over many years, the significant work local child care and early learning centres do to create better, smarter and more capable Australians.”
Gilmore recipients are:
Eurobodalla Family Day Care ($400,000)
Moruya After School and Vacation Care ($86,000, $18,981)
Noah’s Mundamia Early Learning Centre ($49,000)
ECTARC Clipper Road Early Education and Care Service ($387,727)
One Tree Defence Childcare Unit Tingira ($148,958)
Batemans Bay Out of School Hours Care ($303,750)
Tall Trees Before and After School Care ($80,000)
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips chats to CEO Anita Kumar, educators and children at the Clipper Road Early Education and Care Service at East Nowra.
Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
