Funding for childcare

FOUR childcare organisations across the City of Greater Bendigo have received Federal Government funding to expand their services.

Bendigo Family Daycare were awarded $315,000 to grow their operations, while outside school hours care programs will be developed with $120,000 at Marong Primary School, $90,000 at Huntly Primary School and $63,000 at Lockwood South 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 Bendigo, Corangamite, Corio, Ballarat 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.”