- $1.1 million increase in funding to three organisations to support regional early childhood education and care services
- Adds to the $2.9 million announced for the three services in May 2024
- Funding part of Cook Labor Government's $5.1m package to support early childhood education in the regions
Three not-for-profit organisations have been awarded a $1.1 million funding boost to further support and strengthen early childhood education and care services in regional Western Australia.
This funding adds to the $2.9 million that One Tree Community Services (One Tree), Child Inclusive Learning and Development Australia Inc. (Child Australia), and Regional Early Education and Development Inc. (REED) received in May 2024.
One Tree has received an additional $420,721 to continue its successful Regional Early Years Learn and Lead program, providing tailored supports to services in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Mid West, Gascoyne, and Goldfields-Esperance regions.
Child Australia has also received a boost of $420,721 to continue its Empowering Early Childhood Education and Care in Regional WA program, delivering targeted supports and training packages to educators in the Peel, South West, Wheatbelt, and Great Southern regions.
REED has received an additional $300,000 to continue streamlining the management of its centres to ensure high-quality services are provided to children and families in the Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern, and South West regions.
This funding forms part of the Cook Labor Government's 2021 election commitment to deliver $5.1m to support early childhood services to provide high-quality, sustainable education and care for regional Western Australian families.
As stated by Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"Ensuring every Western Australian child gets the best possible start to life is the number one priority of the Cook Labor Government.
"It's great to see the positive impact these initiatives are having on services across regional WA.
"The State Government is committed to building the capacity of the community services sector to find innovative ways to deliver early education services in regional areas.
"That's why we have provided a $1.1 million increase in funding for One Tree, Child Australia, and REED.
"We know access to quality early childhood education and care services plays a vital role in regional economies, enabling parents to return to work and supporting the operation of regional businesses."
