Dunmunkle Childcare A Winner in State Election

Published on 21 November 2022

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Dunmunkle Childcare A Winner in State Election

Yarriambiack Shire Council is proud to confirm that regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s State Election, a new childcare facility will be built in Murtoa. Election commitments have been received from both the Labor and Coalition Governments, securing the project that has been a priority for Council and the community for years.

Yarriambiack Shire Council Mayor, Cr Kylie Zanker said, “The tireless work of our Councillors, staff and the community has finally paid off. The Labor announcement over the weekend to fund a childcare facility in Murtoa is music to our ears”. 

The Yarriambiack Shire community have been advocating for a dedicated childcare facility in the southern end of the municipality for decades.   Local childcare has been a complex and frustrating challenge for young families for decades and continues to be a barrier for predominantly women entering and re-entering the workforce when starting and raising families. Yarriambiack Shire Council sadly represents some of the lowest inter-generational health and education outcomes in the state, which can be direct attributed to the lack of and limited access to basic services such as childcare.

“Our region is experiencing social and economic change, creating growing demand for a skilled and educated workforce. Addressing the barriers faced by families in the region through equitable, innovative, place-based childcare gives children and young people the best possible chance to thrive”, Cr Zanker said.

The new facility will reduce the reliance on Horsham and Warracknabeal based childcare services and reduce the waiting lists across the region. 

“The benefits of this project are generational and far-reaching. Parents and carers will be able to re-enter the workforce and contribute to the skilled workforce shortages. Our children will benefit with an equal playing field for opportunities in early childhood development”, Cr Zanker added.

“On behalf of Council, we’d like to thank the community members of Minyip, Murtoa and Rupanyup who have championed this project, working alongside Council in advocating loudly to all sides of government. This is such a momentous achievement for our community”, Cr Zanker said.

Further details regarding the Dunmunkle Childcare Facility Project will be made available after the State Election outcome.

 

END OF RELEASE

 

Cr Kylie Zanker

Mayor