Giving our kids the best start pays dividends throughout their entire lives, which makes Gunnedah Family Day Care the ideal winner of $3000 from the #GreaterNewEngland Community Funding Program.
Gunnedah Family Day Care Scheme Manager, Kerry Patterson, said the funding will help them continue to provide services to families across a 200 kilometre radius.
“We are a community-based, not-for-profit, early childhood education and care service for children 0–12 years that has been operating since 1985, with our dedicated staff travelling around the region, supporting and mentoring educators,” Kerry said.
“Despite receiving no government funding, we have achieved the highest of National Quality Standards ratings - “Exceeding” – with 200 families and 300 children accessing our service weekly.
“The money from the #GreaterNewEngland Community Funding Program will allow us to purchase resources for our toy library used by educators and playgroups, as well as helping us enhance the quality of our service through increased training.”
Kerry Patterson, Gunnedah Family Day Care Scheme Manager
Moore Creek Mountain Goats Football Club and Uralla & District Pony Club have both received $1000 as the runners-up for the month.
Greater New England Regional Sales Manager, Will Boyd, said early childhood education is a critical part of development.
“Education is the pathway to future success for our young people, so we are very pleased to be able to help Gunnedah Family Day Care continue its important work,” Will said.
“Looking ahead, the October round of the #GreaterNewEngland community funding program will focus on organisations that have played a vital role in supporting those most in need during these difficult COVID times.
“It’s a way we can say ‘thank you’ for the incredible work they have been doing and providing some financial support that will allow them to continue to help their community.”
Women's Shelter Armidale, Gunnedah Meals on Wheels Incorporated and Billabong Clubhouse are each vying for a share $5000 in the October round of the #GreaterNewEngland Community Funding Program.
The public can cast their vote online at greater.com.au/greaternewengland. Voting for the October funding round is now open and closes at 5:00pm, Wednesday, 27 October 2021.