Council has welcomed a significant funding announcement through the NSW Western Workforce Activation Program, securing $636,000 to expand its Connect Five Mobile Early Education Service across the Warrumbungle region.
The funding will allow Connect Five to expand services in some towns from a fortnightly to weekly program, providing more consistent access to early childhood education for children and families in rural and remote communities.
The investment will also support upgrades to Connect Five’s fleet vehicle and storage facilities, helping ensure the mobile service can continue to safely and efficiently deliver high-quality early learning experiences across the Shire.
Importantly, the expansion is expected to create three new jobs and provide capacity for an additional 20 places, strengthening access to early education while supporting workforce participation for local families.
Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor Councillor Kathryn Rindfleish said the funding was a major win for rural communities and recognised the importance of accessible early childhood education services.
“This investment will make a real difference for families across the Warrumbungle Shire, particularly in our smaller communities where access to early childhood education can be limited,” Cr Rindfleish said.
“By expanding Connect Five, children will benefit from more regular opportunities to learn, socialise and develop pathways to preschool, while families gain greater support and connection.”
As part of the service expansion, Connect Five is currently inviting families to provide feedback on preferred session days, times and locations to help shape a timetable that best meets community needs.
Feedback can be provided online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/connect5 or in person during current Connect Five sessions across the region.
Council’s Connect Five Children’s Services play an important role in supporting young children and families across the region through quality early learning, play-based education and family support in communities where traditional centre-based care may not be available.
Warrumbungle Shire Council thanks the NSW Government for its support through the NSW Western Workforce Activation Program and looks forward to delivering the expanded service to communities across the region.