Children from vulnerable backgrounds or whose parents work as frontline workers are the focus of a pilot program aimed at providing better access to quality vacation care.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Grants of up to $30,000 will assist services to provide engaging opportunities like sports and nutrition programs, excursions, cooking and art workshops.
Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead said vacation care services played a vital role in meeting the needs of the community.
"Students have worked so hard over the last term and they deserve to have fun and entertaining programs during their holiday break," Mr Bromhead said.
"I am so pleased to know seven services in the Myall Lakes will benefit from these vacation grants."
Before and after school care and school holiday centres, Active OOSH at both Forster and Pacific each received $10,000, along with Old Bar, Taree West and Wingham, while Snugglepot Day Care Centre was granted $30,000 from the program.
Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the funding would allow services to provide experiences for students through incursions and excursions, as well as upgrades to equipment, resources and transport.
"This service is crucial for parents and carers who may not be able to get time off work to look after their children during school holidays," Ms Mitchell said.
"We want children to be excited to walk through the doors of their vacation care and look forward to spending time there.
"I've seen some of the great programs available, like inviting local sports stars to talk and workshops with writers to inspire students.
"This will provide enriching opportunities for students in vacation care."
Did you know? Great Lakes Advocate online subscribers not only have 24/7 access to local and national news, sport, what's on and entertainment - they also have access to our print editions in digital format, with all the advertisements and classifieds at their fingertips.
