It’s holiday time and the Batemans Bay Out of School Hours Care (OOSH Kids) service is celebrating a Federal Government funding injection.
The $303,750 Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) grant will provide a timely boost for the service operated at Batemans Bay Public School and run by Eurobodalla Shire Council.
OOSH Kids runs after school and holiday programs for kids aged five to 12 years to hang out, have fun and stay active.
It is one of eight child care operations in the Gilmore electorate, and three in the Eurobodalla Shire, to share in more than $1.7 million federal funding to help address barriers to participation, particularly targeting disadvantaged and vulnerable families and communities.
The fund 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.
“This is great news for OOSH Kids and I’m pleased that, in the Eurobodalla region, I’ve secured an additional $400,000 for Eurobodalla Family Day Care and almost $105,000 for the Moruya After School and Vacation Care program,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Batemans Bay OOSH Kids is such a fun place for kids to spend quality time before and after school and during the school holidays, with loads of interesting craft and sporting activities, as well as parties, cooking lessons and excursions.
“When I popped in last week, everyone was having a great time playing games, making boats from recycled materials and, importantly, making new friends.
“I’m really thrilled to be supporting eight local child care and early education centres, family day care providers as well as 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 parents 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,” she added.
The funding boost came as the Albanese Government announced 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.”
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips makes boats with the kids at OOSH Kids, Batemans Bay’s Out of School Hours Care service.
Media Contact: Katrina Condie 0437 662 967
