Construction has commenced on a new childcare facility in Parkes today, thanks to the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Restart NSW program.
NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said 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.
“The NSW Nationals in the state government are pleased to support this much-needed childcare facility in Parkes. Once complete, 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,” Mr Farraway said.
“Locals will be familiar with the old community health building on Coleman Road, well I’m happy to say that it is going to be transformed into the Central West Child Care Services. The building will become an integrated care facility which will, of course, be a safe and fun place for children and staff alike.
“The design includes age appropriate playrooms, a childcare facility with change areas and staff room, a dedicated preschool area and learning areas where school aged students can take part in education programs, ensuring each child no matter their age can be in an environment that has what they need.
“In addition to this, I am pleased to see the centre will cater for complementary services such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, parenting classes and early childhood courses, all of which are vitally important to a child’s development and to help parents and guardians navigate their way through the stages of early childhood.”
From today, the old community health building will undergo an internal redevelopment to create individual learning areas which include office space, indoor learning facilities, storage, bathrooms, kitchen and laundry as well as an external development to provide outdoor learning spaces and car park.
The new Parkes Central West Childcare Services has been funded to the value of $1.3 million under the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Restart NSW program, specifically the Resources for Regions Fund. Parkes Shire Council is contributing a further $668,000.
The Resources for Regions Fund is part of the $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund, which is designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said he it was pleasing to see this fund contributing to such a worthwhile project.
“The NSW Nationals in the state government recognise how important this fund is to provide a boost to regional industries and stimulate economic growth for the local economy,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This new childcare service in Parkes will not only provide jobs directly and indirectly, it’s also vital to support families living and working in the Parkes local community.
“Well done to Parkes Shire Council for progressing this project and we look forward to seeing this child care facility full of children in the near future.”