By Mara Pattison-Sowden
YARRA Junction mums who need a break can benefit from a State Government cash boost for occasional care.
Children’s Minister Maxine Morand last week announced funding for the program would receive a $1 million cash injection in 2010-11.
“This program provides great support to parents and also is important for early learning and social experiences for children aged 0-6 years,” she said.
“This additional funding will mean the more than 220 children’s centres offering the program will continue being funded.”
The Take-A-Break occasional care program, which is offered at the Upper Yarra Community House Children’s Centre in Yarra Junction, was just one of the 76 centres to benefit from the cash.
Previously the program had been jointly funded with the Federal Government and has recently undergone a review.
Children’s centre manager Jenny Holinger was pleased with the announcement and said the program needs support from the government to make it affordable for the community.
“You cannot run occasional care in a neighbourhood house without funding,” she said.
Ms Holinger said the Take a Break program provides important respite for mothers needing some time to themselves.
“It’s for parents to actually have three hours to themselves – to have a coffee, go play a game of netball or do a course,” she said. “You can’t play netball with a two-year-old on the sidelines.”
Ms Holinger said a lot of neighborhood houses provided occasional care because they offered parenting classes and training courses.
Latest
Victorian Government announced support for food relief
With the high cost of living pressure, the Victorian Government decided to support Neighbourhood Houses across the State by investing in their food relief...
