Date: 2008-07-01
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The Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand announced the extension of the supported playgroup initiative while opening Playgroup Victoria’s Annual Supported Parent Group and Playgroup Conference in Moorabbin.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Parents and young children across an extra 15 Victorian municipalities will get added support through a $4.47 million Brumby Government boost over four years for playgroups.
The Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand announced the extension of the supported playgroup initiative while opening Playgroup Victoria’s Annual Supported Parent Group and Playgroup Conference in Moorabbin.
“Playgroups are a great way for Victoria’s children to enjoy new experiences, learn and develop,” Ms Morand said.
“Playgroups aim to provide quality play opportunities for children aged from 0-3 to foster development of their language and motor skills.
“They also provide opportunities for families to connect with social networks and local early childhood services, such as Maternal and Child Health centres and kindergartens.
“The supported playgroups will be linked to existing Best Start projects which work to improve outcomes for children by bringing together the existing early years services with the knowledge and experiences of parents, communities and organisations.”
The funding package includes a minimum of $40,000 to each of the following council areas for supported playgroups.
They are Brimbank, Campaspe, Cardinia, Central Goldfields, Darebin, Greater Dandenong, East Gippsland, Melton, Mildura, Moorabool, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Wyndham, Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
Ms Morand said in addition, existing supported playgroups in council areas of Ballarat, Greater Shepparton, La Trobe, Maribyrnong, Swan Hill, Wellington, Baw Baw and Horsham will see their funding increased to $40,000.
“Families in all 29 local government areas with Best Start sites will enjoy the benefits that supported playgroups will provide to help their children realise their full potential,” Ms Morand said.
The Brumby Government will also increase funding to Playgroup Victoria to $130,000 to acknowledge the vital role that it plays in supporting this initiative, including training playgroup facilitators.
The $4.47 million funding is part of the Brumby Government’s $20.3 million commitment in the 2008-09 State Budget to support disadvantaged and vulnerable children.