Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced an investment of close to $800,000 to go towards a stand-alone preschool at Cowra’s Yalbillinga Boori Day Care Centre.
Ms Cooke said she was delighted to announce the funding totalling $797,000 under the Start Strong Capital Works Grants Program, which will create an additional 15 places for pre-schoolers in Cowra.
“It’s well known just how important the first five years of life are, and how vital it is we engage young people in learning right from the start, and I’d like to congratulate Centre Manager Caroline Bamblett and her team, for this great outcome,” Ms Cooke said.
“As the wonderful team at the centre will tell you, there’s always a waiting list, so today’s news means they can accommodate more children, which will provide great opportunities for local families.
“This investment in the Yalbillinga Boori Day Care Centre is an investment in Cowra’s future, and a signal to families here and beyond, that this is a great place to raise children.
“We must do everything we can to ensure our youngest learners have access to the best possible start when it comes to their education, so securing investments for our preschool-aged children has been a top priority for me personally over the years,” she said.
Ms Cooke said she has secured more than $8.5 million in preschool funding for the Cootamundra electorate since being elected in 2017.
“It’s all about providing parents and families with more places in areas of high need, and the new preschool will help ensure more families have the chance to utilise these opportunities here in Cowra,” Ms Cooke said.
Ms Cooke said today’s announcement follows news that the Cowra Early Childhood Services (CECS) has been awarded $3.7 million in government funding to build a new 60-place community pre-school, also thanks to the Start Strong Capital Works Grants Program.
“As the local member, ensuring we have access to these services is just so vital. It goes far beyond bricks and mortar; funding like this will literally change the lives of families and improve outcomes for our young ones, for generations to come,” Ms Cooke said.
Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke talking with Yalbillinga Boori Day Care Centre manager Caroline Bamblett about the exciting plans for the centre following the recent funding announcement.
