Early childhood centre will support Mackay families

Children and families in the Mackay region will reap significant benefits from an early childhood centre earmarked for a former pre-school site in Shakespeare Street.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said Mackay was one of six centres chosen across Queensland to establish community-based early childhood education and care centres.

“A total of $14.3 million will be spent fulfilling the Queensland Government’s commitment to establish these centres," Mr Pitt said.

“Possible services to be offered from these centres include school-aged care, family support, supported playgroups, toy libraries, parent support groups and visiting child health services.”

Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin said the George Street Neighbourhood Centre would be approached to run the enhanced early childhood centre in conjunction with the Mackay Children’s Support Program, which would deliver before and after-school care services.

“This new site will provide a customised facility, allowing various services from the George Street Neighbourhood Centre and Mackay Children’s Support Program to be relocated,” Mr Mulherin said.

“This will strengthen the centre’s ability to deliver high-quality services for local children and families, especially working parents.

“This initiative demonstrates the Queensland Government’s commitment to investing in the early years for the long-term benefit of children and communities across the state.

"By addressing small issues early, we reduce the chance of problems becoming bigger and subsequently more expensive to rectify in later years.

“This initiative also fulfils a commitment I made to the community during the election campaign last year to accommodate the Mackay Children’s Support Program’s Eastside after-school care service.

“The Mackay Children’s Support Program has provided an excellent service to parents from temporary premises for many years. Now, with this new centre, the service will finally have a permanent home,” Mr Mulherin said.

Media contacts: Mr Pitt’s Office 0417 789 208; Mr Mulherin’s Office 0409 305 662