Funding for childcare

TWO childcare organisations in the City of Ballarat have received Federal Government funding to expand their services.

Green Leaves Early Learning Centre in Wendouree were awarded $100,000 to grow their operations, and YMCA Ballarat received the same amount for an outside school hours care program at Our Lady Help of Christians Primary School.

The grants were awarded from the Federal Government’s $100 million Community Child Care Fund, and form part of a $2.5 million spend on 24 services spread across the Ballarat, Corangamite, Corio, Bendigo and Gorton electorates.

More than 640 services were granted funding across the country.

Minister for Regional Education, Bridget McKenzie, said the money would benefit families across the region.

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

“It means more families can take advantage of our Child Care Subsidy if they choose to work, study or volunteer.”

Minister for Education and Youth, Alan Tudge, added, “This program also helps services to run initiatives that reduce barriers which may otherwise prevent local kids from accessing care.”