Mayor thanks State Government for supporting day care

Published on 09 April 2020

Today's announcement from Premier Gladys Berejiklian of funding for council-run long day care services and preschools will enable Council to continue to provide high quality preschool and child care.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone announced on Wednesday that Council would fund free long day care, in line with the Federal Government's announcement last week, despite the estimated cost of $70,000 per fortnight.

The Federal Government's Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package partially covers the cost of care for families sending their children to long day care services, with Council picking up the shortfall.

Unlike private providers, council-run long day care services are not eligible for JobKeeper payments. With no ability to charge families a fee, Council was prepared to cover the 50% reduction of income rather than shut down its centres. Council has 1,425 long day care places per week.

Premier Berejiklian's announcement covers this long day care funding shortfall, as well as extending to free preschool for children.

Mayor Carbone said supporting long day care and preschool is a smart investment.

"It is important, now more than ever, that local families have access to quality long day care close to home, enabling them to remain in the workforce," Mayor Carbone said.

"We also understand that access to early childhood education is critical to the development and wellbeing of children.

"Yesterday I announced that Council would step up and cover the shortfall for long day care funding left by the lack of JobKeeper funding or any other financial support from the Federal Government.

"This morning's announcement by the State Government means that families will have free access to Council-run long day care and preschool while ensuring that Council's bottom line is not negatively impacted.

"This means more money can be spent on providing other vital services and developing important local infrastructure. I thank Premier Berejiklian for her support."

Council's centres are safe and nurturing spaces for young children. Council has strengthened cleaning and hygiene practices to give families added peace of mind.

Council has closed and made changes to a number of its other services in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. For a full list of changes, visit www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus.

We will continue to provide updates to the community as and when changes occur.