Local families will find it easier to send their children to preschool next year, with the trial of a new transport subsidy rolling out to Murray preschools.
Duty Nationals MLC for Murray, Wes Fang, said the Preschool Drive Subsidy pilot will offset part of the transport costs of driving children to preschool, saving remote families thousands of dollars per year.
“In the Murray electorate, we’re going to see 18 preschools eligible for this trial, which is a big win for our locals,” Mr Fang said.
The preschools eligible to opt in for the next school year are:
| Gol Gol Preschool | GOL GOL |
| Gyndarna Preschool | DARETON |
| Hay Mobile Children’s Service | CARRATHOOL |
| Hay Mobile Children’s Service | GOOLGOWI |
| Hay Preschool | HAY |
| Hay Early Learning Centre | HAY |
| Hay Mobile Children’s Service | HAY |
| Hay Mobile Children’s Service | BOOLIGAL |
| Hay Mobile Children’s Service | HAY |
| Hillston Billylids Early Learning Centre | HILLSTON |
| Euston Pre-school | EUSTON |
| Hillston Play ‘n’ Learn | HILLSTON |
| Riverina Childrens Activity Van – Goolgowi | GOOLGOWI |
| Riverina Childrens Activity Van – Rankin Springs | RANKIN SPRINGS |
| Jack & Jill Midway Childcare Centre | BURONGA |
| Kidscape Early Learning Centre Two Rivers | BURONGA |
| Wentworth District Preschool | WENTWORTH |
| Balranald Early Learning Centre | BALRANALD |
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this initiative builds on the NSW Government’s vision for every child in NSW to have access to a quality preschool education no matter their location.
“That’s why we’re trialling this subsidy which will allow eligible families to claim up to 70 cents per kilometre via car and 35 cents per kilometre via boat or motorbike at 90 participating preschools, where there is limited or no public transport,” Mr Toole said.
“From Boggabilla to Balranald, this will make it easier for children living in remote NSW to attend preschool, allowing them the best possible start on their learning journey.”
Nationals Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said the Preschool Drive Subsidy pilot is based on the existing and successful School Drive Subsidy.
“Funding of up to $2 million has been allocated to the Preschool Drive Subsidy pilot as part of the larger School Drive Subsidy program,” Ms Mitchell said.
“The School Drive Subsidy has proven to be effective in easing the financial burden of transport for families across regional NSW who have little or no access to public transport. Applying this formula to preschool children will offer the same benefits.”
The Preschool Drive Subsidy pilot will be delivered through a partnership between Department of Education and Transport for NSW.
The targeted per kilometre subsidy will be available for eligible families in remote NSW from Term 1, 2022, to offset part of the transport costs of driving children to participating preschools.
