The construction of Nyngan’s Early Learning Centre is well on track and due to be open to the local community in mid-2016.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton today visited the construction site along with Bogan Shire Council Mayor, Ray Donald OAM and other key Council staff.
Mr Coulton congratulated the Council on securing Commonwealth Government funding to assist with construction of this much needed centre.
“In 2015-16 Bogan Shire Council received $400,000 under the Long Day Care Capital Funding Exceptional Circumstances Grant Programme,” Mr Coulton said.
“They also have an additional $50,000 scheduled for payment in February 2016.”
According to Mr Coulton, the Commonwealth Government’s funding contribution to Nyngan’s Early Learning Centre is a further example of how cooperation of Governments at different levels is achieving great outcomes for rural and regional communities.
“We all want what is best for our children and just because we live in a rural area doesn’t mean we can’t make the best service a reality for our youngsters,” Mr Coulton said.
“I know there has been a growing need for childcare services throughout the Bogan Shire and I am very pleased this need will be fulfilled when the centre is up and running next year.”
The Long Day Care Capital Funding Exceptional Circumstances Grant Programme was introduced by the Australian Government in December 2010 to assist rural and remote communities to establish or continue to operate centre based child care in exceptional circumstances.
To be eligible for a grant, communities must be experiencing exceptional circumstances, such as market failure or documented unmet demand.
Service providers or community based groups seeking funding need to be able to demonstrate that they have considered all potentially viable alternative child care options, including non-centre based care options.
Under this programme, discretionary amounts of up to $500,000 may be available to support the development or refurbishment of child care facilities in rural and remote communities.
More information about this programme can be found at https://www.dss.gov.au/our-responsibilities/families-and-children/programmes-services/early-childhood-child-care/long-day-care-capital-funding-exceptional-circumstances-grant