A long-held dream came true for the Central West Childcare Service last week, with a brilliant new facility opened, complete with a huge landscaped garden and 'The Block'-like interior design.
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On Friday, the new building was officially opened by Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, the Hon. Sam Farraway MLC; alongside Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Ken Keith OAM, fellow councillors, staff and community members.
With 43 educators and over 400 children enrolled in the Central West Family Day Care, the service had outgrown the current facility.
The $1.3 million investment by the NSW Government has transformed the unutilised, ageing community health building located within the old Parkes Hospital precinct, into a vibrant new base inside and out for the Central West Childcare Services.
Conveniently located under the same roof, the facility will house an integrated early childhood education centre, services for school aged children, and family services for children from birth to twelve years.
The Hon. Sam Farraway MLC was pleased to be able to represent the government at the opening.
"This new centre will cater to a range of families and provide quality childcare services in the growing community for babies, toddlers and primary school aged children," he said.
"The NSW Government is pleased to support this much needed childcare facility in Parkes.
"The centre will provide quality care for babies, to school age students within family daycare, preschool as well as vital before and after school care and vacation care for families with older children," said Mr Farraway.
Deputy Mayor Cr Barbara Newton said upgrading and adding childcare service was crucial for the booming shire.
"With major developments happening in Parkes - including the NSW Government's first Special Activation Precinct, the expansion of CMOC Northparkes Mines and the Clean Teq Sunrise project - the delivery of a quality educational facility will ensure Parkes can meet the needs of those new families and businesses relocating to the region over the next decade," she said.
"The additional space this facility provides will enable complementary services to utilise the rooms for consultation purposes.
"...such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, dental checks, auditory services, inclusion support meetings, parenting classes, child assessments, meetings, conferences, play groups, and the support of Early Childhood courses," added Cr Newton.
Central West Childcare Services coordinator, Ann-Marie Winter, was so proud to be able to open the centre, fulfilling a long-held dream for the location.
"We are really proud of the new space and encourage our community, to come and visit our amazing new facility," she said.
"This facility provides a nurturing safe supportive environment, where your child's needs, learning and discovery is guided by qualified and passionate staff.
"We strive to make this a happy and educational experience based on the National Quality Frameworks which guide the curriculum programs," said Ann-Marie.
The services offered by Central West Childcare Services actively supports children's early years of learning, enabling them to become confident individuals, as they take their first steps into their school life and the wider community.
The Central West Childcare Services Project is funded through NSW Government's Resources for Regions Fund. Rounds 1 to 6 are part of the Restart NSW Fund.
To learn more about the services provided, please visit www.parkes.nsw.gov.au.
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