Regional Local Government Authorities (LGAs) are being invited to apply for grant funding to attract and retain early childhood educators in regional Western Australia.
The Attraction and Retention Packages for Regional Child Care Workers Program provides grants to regional LGAs to fund initiatives that support bringing in and keeping on early childhood educators.
For early childhood education and care services, attracting a high-quality workforce can be challenging, particularly in regional areas, said WA Early Childhood Education Minister, Sabine Winton.
“Ensuring that Western Australians have access to high-quality early childhood education and care is a priority of the Cook Government,” said Ms Winton.
“This is particularly important in regional economies, allowing parents to head back to work and businesses to thrive.
“It has been wonderful to hear about the initiatives that successful regional Local Government Authorities across the State have developed as a result of the Program.
“I encourage regional Local Government Authorities to apply.”
The WA Government committed $1 million over four years in 2021 to support the attraction and retention of early childhood educators in regional areas.
Three rounds of funding have now been delivered, with a total of $781,066 distributed to 23 regional LGAs.
Initiatives delivered under round three funding include:
- $74,654.70 to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the Goldfields Professional Development Project, delivered in partnership with the Shire of Coolgardie and the Shire of Leonora;
- $25,000 for the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup so they can provide housing support, training opportunities and travel costs;
- $25,000 for the Shire of Denmark to provide housing and travel subsidies for new and existing staff at Gumnuts Occasional Daycare; and
- $20,798.05 for the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley to provide subsidised housing and housing allowances.
Round four of the Program closes on 16 October 2024.
For more information, contact grants@communities.wa.gov.au(link sends email) or visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/attraction-and-retention-packages-regional-childcare-workers-program.
