Swan Hill Rural City Council has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative (MVAC) has secured funding to redevelop and expand its early learning centre in Robinvale.
The project will deliver significant benefits for local First Nations families by increasing access to early childhood education and care in a region currently experiencing a severe childcare shortage.
Mayor Cr Stuart King said Council was pleased to see government investment directed toward one of the community’s most pressing needs.
“Council congratulates MVAC on its successful funding application and the important role it continues to play in supporting local families and children,” Cr King said.
Council’s Director Community and Cultural Services, Bruce Myers, said the announcement strongly aligned with Council-led research and advocacy highlighting the urgent need for additional childcare places across the municipality.
“This funding acknowledges the challenges our community has been facing and complements the work already underway locally to strengthen the early years workforce and also encourage more people into careers in early childhood education.
The expansion will not only create more early learning opportunities for local children, but also ensure services continue to be designed and delivered by the Aboriginal community, for the Aboriginal community,” Mr Myers said.
Mr Myers said the childcare shortage had prompted the establishment of a local partnership involving community organisations, education providers and health services to support residents pursuing qualifications in early childhood education and care.
“There are currently 27 people participating in the program locally, helping to build a sustainable workforce pipeline for the future,” he said.
Cr King said continued investment in both childcare infrastructure and workforce development would be critical to ensuring families in Robinvale and surrounding communities had access to quality early childhood education and care into the future.
“Accessible childcare is essential for strong, connected and thriving communities, and Council looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes this project will deliver for Robinvale families and the broader community,” he said.