February 1, 2012
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has registered his support for funding to build a children’s hub with childcare in Yarram.
Mr Chester has written to the Hon Wendy Lovell, Minister for Children and Early Learning Childhood Development, to extend his “whole-hearted support” for the Yarram District Hub – Childcare Services application being prepared by Wellington Shire Council.
Below is an extract from Mr Chester’s letter to Minister Lovell:
“A community survey of Yarram residents has found the absence of childcare to be the biggest obstacle for families who want employment. Yarram’s small business community, together with key employers such as the Yarram District Health Service, has also put its full support behind the long-standing campaign to deliver childcare to Yarram.
“There has been anecdotal evidence of health professionals and teachers who accepted positions in Yarram and then reneged upon finding there was no childcare available. The lack of children’s services is impacting on this community’s ability to prosper.
“Plans for the Yarram District Hub have been prepared with comprehensive community consultation to offer maximum convenience, flexibility and choice for families. It would be a key hub for the community and bring together a range of services, many of which are currently unavailable within Yarram.
“The importance of this project is evidenced by the recent commitment of $900,000 from Wellington Shire Council.
“In summary, this is a vital project for the Yarram community to support families and stimulate jobs growth.
“I commend this project to you as one most worthy of supporting.”
Mr Chester said he would continue to pursue government funding to see the project to fruition.
“This project was started by a group of proactive local mothers who were unable to accept employment in the community due to the lack of childcare and I will continue to work with the community and my State Parliamentary colleague Peter Ryan to see the project to fruition,” Mr Chester said.