BUSH kids will get the biggest slice of an $8 million pie creating 500 extra places at NSW preschools.
Capital grants cash will go to 28 preschools across the state – increments ranging from $612,000 to $34,000 – to fund 21 building extensions, six new vehicles for mobile services, and a demountable in the Clarence Valley.
Early Childhood Education minister Sarah Mitchell said most projects were in the regions, with preschools at Parramatta, Ku-ring-gai, Charlestown, Penrith, Wollongong, Fairfield, and Camden also getting some love.
Ms Mitchell said she had heard firsthand that limited capacity of services was one of the biggest issues families and service providers face in the regions.
“The success of a child’s education on their last day of school is determined by their very first day of school,” Ms Mitchell said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said this investment was vital for kids in regional NSW so they are given every opportunity to learn and have access to quality education services.
“This investment is creating nearly 500 additional preschool places with most being created in regional NSW,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These children are the future of our regional communities and I am proud we are investing in their future.”
Funding winners included:
- Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council - $612,000
- Ngayaamba Waluura Aboriginal Corporation – $590,000
- Minimbah Pre-School, Primary School Aboriginal Corporation – $569,376
- Springdale Heights Preschool – $557,000
- Bilambil Community Preschool & OOSH Inc – $420,000
- Anglican Schools Corporation – $350,000
- Gunnedah Baptist Child Care Association Ltd – $311,500
- Canowindra Pre-School Kindergarten Inc – $246,090
- Warilla Baptist Pre-School – $187,500
- St Peter's Preschool Tamworth – $144,284
- CareWest Ltd – $122,758
- Crescent Head Community Pre-School Inc – $99,720
- Gummyaney Aboriginal Corp – $56,380
- Riverina Activity Van Inc – $56,000
- Hay Mobile Childrens Services – $55,476
- Illawarra Association for Christian Parents – $42,427
- Lower Hunter Children's Activity Van Association Inc – $45,763.50
- CareWest Limited – $45,000
- Grenfell Pre-School & Long Day Care Centre Inc – $39,990
- Crookwell Neighbourhood Centre Inc – $33,547.80
Meanwhile more than 2400 NSW long day care centres will also receive a share of the $30 million Start Strong reforms.