STATE MEMBER FOR CASTLE HILL – HON RAY WILLIAMS MP
$30 MILLION BOOST FOR LONG DAY CARE
More than 2400 long day care centres across the state will receive a share of a $30 million funding boost as part of the NSW Government’s Start Strong reforms.
With two thirds of NSW working families’ accessing long day care, this $30 million investment will improve education outcomes and the quality of long day care services in NSW.
The success of a child’s education on their last day of school is determined by their very first day of school, and the NSW Government is backing our kids to give them the best start in life. I am very proud more children than ever before have access to quality early childhood education.
The $30 million investment will be rolled out from May for children aged four and above, with funding weighted accordingly for children meeting additional criteria – providing more support for those families who need it most.
The $30 million funding is part of Start Strong, a $115 million investment in community preschools and long day care services aimed at making 600 hours of early childhood education more affordable.
Children who attend 600 hours of early childhood education in the year before school arrive at school ready for ongoing learning and the benefits of this are evident throughout their lives.
Since 2011 the NSW Government has invested more than $1.6 billion in improving early childhood education in NSW with more than $382 million this financial year alone.
YOUTH GRANT FUNDING
As Minister responsible for Youth, I have just announced one-off grants of up to $50,000 for projects that engage young people to lead and participate in community development activities.
The Youth Opportunities program is focused on engaging with young people and removing barriers that prevent them from participating more in their community.
Funded projects from previous rounds have focused on giving young people the opportunity to develop a diverse range of skills, including leadership, communication, and teamwork.
The online application process opens on Monday 22 May 2017 and closes on Monday 26 June 2017. Successful applications will be announced later in 2017.
To apply for a Youth Opportunities grant or for more information, visit www.youth.nsw.gov.au/youthopportunities. CONGRATUALTIONS
• Doris Smith – 90th Birthday
• Kerry & Joy Fink – 50th Wedding Anniversary
• John & Lorane Hawryluk – 50th Wedding Anniversary
• Tony & Wendy Smith – 60th Wedding Anniversary
