Today (June 9) I joined Minister for Community Services, Reba
Meagher, at Poets Corner Preschool in Redfern, which will receive $110,000 in
immediate funding under the package.
The NSW Governments $85.2 million investment will create
preschool places for an additional 10,500 children, Ms Meagher said.
This is the biggest investment in community based preschools
in over 20 years.
Around $8 million will be made available to around 300
preschools across the State by the end of this month – helping services which
are under immediate financial pressure.
I welcome the local funding boost and the NSW Governments
long term investment in community based preschools, having previously
kick-started a community campaign for more funding to preschools like Poets
Corner.
Preschool provides young children with a positive start to
their education which research shows can have long-term benefits.
I am delighted the NSW Government has listened to our
community campaign – recognising the value of preschool and making this
important investment.
Information on the Preschool Investment Strategy can be
found at www.community.nsw.gov.au