Early education boost

More early childhood education spots are on the way for Ballan families, thanks to a brand-new service funded by the Federal Government.

Set to open its doors soon, the new Yaluk Burron Early Learning Centre is located on the corner of Stead and Steiglitz Streets, operated by the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative Ltd.

The Federal Government is investing $600,000 into the new service through the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) limited supply grants program, with the Centre set to provide 100 additional places for the down in a Centre-based Day Centre setting.

This is part of a $16 million investment by the Government to help establish new early childhood education services in regional communities that currently have limited or no services operating in their area.

Federal MP for the Division of Hawke, Sam Rae, said the new service for Ballan would help take pressure off local families.

“I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by families when there aren’t enough early education spots for local kids,” he said.

“This means more parents can get back to work when they want to, and will give our little ones the opportunities they deserve.”

Once operational, families accessing the new services will be eligible for the recently increased Child Care Subsidy – already making early childhood education more affordable for more than 6,800 families in Hawke.