Funding for childcare

FOUR childcare organisations across the Golden Plains Shire have received Federal Government funding to expand their services.

Inverleigh Occasional Care will grow their operations with $30,000, while Golden Plains Shire Family Day Care received $60,000 for sustainable management and expansion.

Outside school hours care programs will be developed with $105,000 at Lethbridge Community Centre and $90,000 at Teesdale 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 Corangamite, Ballarat, 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.”