Echuca childcare providers to share in regional cash splash

By Caitlin Cassidy

Jul 22, 2021

An additional $1.4 million in Federal Government funding will be rolled out to support childcare services across the Goulburn Valley as part of the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF).

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Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum said 17 services across the electorate would receive the funds, and hoped the money would go a long way in meeting the needs of local families.

The 17 childcare services chosen to receive the funding - totalling $1,365,483 – spread across Pyalong, Cobram, Kyabram, Echuca, Yarrawonga, Rochester, Puckapunyal, Toolamba, Merrigum, Nagambie, Murchison, Kialla, Tatura and Barmah.

Echuca’s Club Teen out of school hours care received nearly $90,000 in funding, while the Echuca Primary YMCA out of hours care was granted $75,744.

Rochester and District Childcare Centre was the biggest winner in the region with just under $200,000 in funding.

Barmah Kindergarten and Occasional Child Care Centre was awarded $42,000.

“This funding will be good for our kids, good for our hard-working families, and, ultimately, good for our communities,” Mr Drum said.

“It will have a positive economic benefit by allowing more parents to get back into work or to take on additional hours if they choose.

“These funds will assist services in areas that may need support to keep operating, or to fund capital projects to improve services, and increase the number of places available.

“This program also helps providers run initiatives that reduce barriers that may otherwise prevent local kids from accessing care.”

The CCCF was established to improve access to childcare for disadvantaged or vulnerable families and help childcare centres remain in operation.

The grants are rolled out to "priority areas" in disadvantaged, regional and remote communities.

About 640 childcare services across Australia will share in the program, part of a $10 billion push to invest in childcare this year.

Since 2018, more than 1000 childcare services have received funds from the CCCF, totalling about $220 million.

“We are committed to giving every Australian family access to quality childcare, regardless of where they live or their circumstances,” Minister for Education Alan Tudge said.

“In some remote areas, there may only be one or two childcare services operating and it is crucial we keep these open and help improve and expand facilities so more kids can attend.”