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.

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