Thrive by Five welcomes NSW Government’s boost for families in remote areas to access early learning
16 December 2021 – Thrive by Five has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement today of a new transport subsidy to help make it easier for parents in remote areas of NSW to send their children to early childhood education and care.
The Preschool Drive Subsidy pilot will allow eligible families to claim a subsidy of up to 70 cents per kilometre via car and 35 cents per kilometre via boat or motorbike at participating preschools.
Thrive by Five CEO Jay Weatherill said, “The NSW Government’s new pilot project will help break down another barrier for children and families in regional and remote communities to access the benefits of preschool.
“Every child in Australia deserves access to high-quality and affordable early childhood education and care, regardless of their postcode.
“Early learning gives children the best start in life, and is essential for children’s lifelong learning and well-being.
“Children across remote areas of NSW could be dealing with multiple trauma from the past five years, including flood and bushfire events, and the pandemic. Early childhood education and care can help support these children through difficult times and recovery.
“The pilot project and recent offer by the NSW Government to take full responsibility for early childhood education and care recognises the urgent need for reform of Australia’s early learning system.
“As the former South Australian Premier, I advocated for state-led reform of early childhood education and it’s positive to see the NSW Government placing this issue on the national agenda.
“NSW joins an increasing number of political leaders who are hearing the call from business, unions, educators, parents and women’s organisations for bold action on early learning,” Mr Weatherill said.
