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Grants for preschools and childcare welcomedLatrobe City has welcomed $28,000 funding through state government minor capital works grants for a number of preschools and child care centres across the municipality. By Latrobe City Council - 19th May 2006 - Back to News The funding announcements were made by the Minister for Children and Community Services, Sheryl Garbutt MP, at the Morwell Central preschool on Tuesday. Morwell Central preschool received a $1200 grant towards the purchase and installation of a shade sail.
Latrobe City’s acting mayor, Cr Bruce Lougheed, said the grants will help provide new resources such as outdoor furniture, toys, landscaping and play equipment while also funding replacements of ageing resources such as fencing, sandpits, interior carpets, and office equipment.
The Department of Human Services grants will help meet the needs of some 15 preschools and two child care centres in Latrobe City which applied for the funding for minor capital works or equipment purchases.
"I know preschool committees, parents and the young people themselves are going to be delighted with the improvements being made to the facilities they use as a consequence of this funding," Cr Lougheed said.
"Council will now add to these grants with its own funding, which together with funds raised by preschool committees, will ensure all of the identified projects are realised."
Member for Morwell, Brendan Jenkins MP, congratulated the Morwell Central preschool committee for its hard work in preparing the submission for new funding.
"There were some great submissions received for support under this program and it’s great to see Morwell Central was among the many worthy recipients," Mr Jenkins said.
The local member reminded the Minister of the commitment to childcare and preschools demonstrated by Latrobe City. "Our council remains one of a very small number of local governments who still manage their kindergartens and employ all staff," he said.
"It is a credit to Latrobe City that they have maintained their policy of a preschool place for all, and as such, deserves the continued assistance of the state government.
"Kerry McKenzie and her committee should be chuffed with their efforts on behalf of the present and future kids of Morwell Central who will benefit from this grant," Mr Jenkins said.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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