AS THE economic impacts seep further in to every day life, the NSW government has announced a relief package for 17 of region’s preschools.
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Early childhood educators will split more than $255,000, to help them and the families they serve through the dry time and the associated financial pinch.
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson said services could use the funding to assist families and children in a range of ways, including transport arrangements to maintain preschool participation, crisis planning or fee subsidies to further support families.
“We know how crucial it is to continue to support families and businesses in these areas who are struggling in the grip of this unprecedented drought,” Mr Anderson said.
“Right across the electorate, when I visit regional towns and communities it’s obvious how hard it is for our farmers.
“We are facing one of the driest years on record, resulting in failing crops, drastic water shortages and diminishing supply of fodder to sustain livestock.
“Our goal is to help alleviate some of the pressure on families by supporting early childhood services where attendance may have dropped due to socioeconomic pressures, and also to boost service operators coping with additional challenges.”
Mr Anderson said the funding, which is part of a $3 million package for preschools across the state, was allocated to services based on their enrolment numbers and location, and was scaled according to the level of drought intensity.
Preschool funding
St Peter’s Preschool Tamworth – $27,600
Gunnedah Baptist Community Preschool – $25,000
Peter Pan Preschool Kindergarten Tamworth – $24,900
Walcha Preschool – $23,400
St Mary’s North Tamworth Preschool – $23,400
Kootingal and District Preschool – $21,900
Gunnedah Preschool – $20,400
Manilla Community Preschool – $17,400
Calrossy Preschool – $15,600
Werris Creek and District Preschool – $11,100
Tamworth Montessori Preschool – $10,800
Barraba Preschool – $9000
Ooranga Mobile Early Childhood Service – $6400
Ooranga Mobile Early Childhood Service 4 – $5000
Nundle CWA Preschool – $5000
Bendemeer Preschool – $5000
Ooranga Mobile Early Childhood Service 3 – $4000