SYKES – KINDERGARTENS & CHILDCARE CENTRE FUNDING AVAILABLE

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, is encouraging community based not-for-profit childcare centres, kindergartens and outside school hours care services in the Benalla Electorate to apply for funding for minor capital works.

The Victorian Department of Human Services has announced funding for Minor Capital Grants for 2005 – 2006. Grants of up to a maximum of $5,000.00 are available to upgrade facilities and create safer, more pleasant environments in which children can play, learn and develop.

“Community based not-for-profit childcare centres including long day care and occasional care services, community based not-for-profit kindergartens and non-profit outside school hours care services including before school, after school and vacation care, are eligible to apply for funding,” said Dr Sykes.

“Operators of services may operate several programs at one location or may operate several programs at different locations. The grant will be paid per location of service delivery,” continued Dr Sykes.

“This is a great opportunity for operators to fund projects that can improve environments for children.”

Dr Sykes said, “The funds may be used for maintenance and upgrades such as fencing, paving, painting, sand pits, lighting, soft fall area installation, fans, heaters and smoke detectors; or, for program and administrative equipment such as kitchen equipment, soft furnishings, sports and play equipment, cameras, photocopiers, art and craft equipment, musical equipment and first aid kits.”

“Successful applicants will propose projects to create a safer, more pleasant environment for children and projects which support more flexible and innovative delivery of children’s programs.”

Dr Sykes encourages eligible bodies to lodge their applications by 17 March 2006.

Successful applicants will be notified in May 2006 with funding to follow in June 2006.

Guidelines and application forms can be obtained from the Victorian Department of Human Services website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au/earlychildhood or by contacting Dr Sykes Electorate Office on 5762 2100 or at 2/55 Carrier Street, Benalla.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989