- Cook Government commits an additional $1.6 million for the Katanning Early Childhood Hub
- New funding brings total investment to $7.3 million and backs community-led efforts to improve access to services for families including 67 long-daycare places
- Shire of Katanning to progress childhood hub with support of additional funding
The Cook Government has provided an additional $1.6 million funding boost for the Shire of Katanning to progress the Katanning Early Childhood Hub, improving access to essential services for families in the Great Southern town.
The announcement was made in Katanning today by Regional Development Minister Don Punch and Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton, to support the Shire's long-standing commitment to deliver this vital project.
The new funding increases the State Government's total investment in the project to $7.3 million.
The community-driven project will consist of three integrated buildings: an early learning centre, a family centre, and child health offices.
The Katanning Early Childhood Hub is expected to provide the community with up to 67 long-daycare places, creating 28 jobs during construction and 7 full-time positions once the project is complete.
The Hub is one of 24 priority projects under the Early Years Partnership (EYP), which is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, The Kids Research Institute Australia and the local community.
The EYP aims to improve the development, health and learning of children aged 0-4 years old across its partner communities of Central Great Southern, Armadale, Derby and Bidyadanga.
Minderoo Foundation has invested an additional $2.2 million towards the project through the EYP, with Lotterywest and the Shire of Katanning also making financial contributions.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Regional communities need access to key services like those in the metropolitan area, especially in important periods of childhood development.
"Allowing parents access to services that help care for their children, and in some cases, head back to work, is of such value to the community and the economy.
"Building strong regional communities with good liveability is what this Government strives to achieve."
As stated by Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"Ensuring all Western Australian families have access to high-quality early childhood education and care is a priority for the Cook Labor Government.
"As Early Childhood Education Minister, I know families will benefit hugely from having one location at which they can access a range of coordinated family and child services.
"This is another fantastic example of what can be achieved through the Early Years Partnership, which is about enabling communities to lead their own development based on their unique needs.
"I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Katanning Early Childhood Hub will have on the community."
As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne:
"The community and the Shire of Katanning have been working diligently for many years on getting the Hub off the ground.
"Katanning, in the heart of the Great Southern, is an extraordinarily warm and diverse regional community, and one with a great lifestyle for families.
"I am so pleased to see this important project receive the support it deserves."
As stated by Minderoo Foundation founder Nicola Forrest:
"Minderoo Foundation is pleased to partner with the State Government to support the Katanning community's vision for an Early Childhood Hub and reaffirm our dedication to the children and families of the Central Great Southern.
"Setting children up for success starts before birth and parents and families need to be able to access care and support that meets their specific needs where they are.
"Having a purpose-built hub that becomes the focal point for the entire community to give their children the best start to life will nurture healthier children, stronger families and a thriving community in Katanning and surrounding communities."
