Call to simplify childcare grants

Labor Member for Mining and Pastoral Region Stephen Dawson says the State Government is not doing enough to make funding accessible to childcare centres in the Pilbara.

His comments followed Community Services Minister Tony Simpson's funding commitment of more than $238,000 to regional childcare centres across regional WA. Mr Dawson welcomed the Government's childcare initiative but said he was disappointed there were no Pilbara organisations among the 19 successful recipients.

"There's no doubt regional childcare centres face unique challenges. It's often difficult to attract staff, fundraise for new equipment and to source volunteers," he said.

"One centre told me they'd welcome the additional money but said they felt they didn't have the time or the experience to fill in the application form.

"The Government needs to better publicise the grants in the North West to ensure centres know the money is available and simplify the application process."

A Department of Local Government and Communities spokeswoman said although no Pilbara applications were received in the current funding announcement, nine Pilbara-based organisations had shared in more than $105,000 funding since 2011.

"The organisations have received support for equipment purchases, business planning, staff training and mentoring, and policy and procedure review and development," she said.

"In addition, two grants totalling $40,545 through the Regional Community Child Care Development Fund Strategic Grants program have been provided in the Pilbara."

Mr Dawson encouraged local not-for-profit community-based education and care centres to apply for the next round of the Regional Community Child Care Development Fund program.

For more information about the Regional Community Child Care Development Grants, contact 6552 1643 or visit http://www.dlgc.wa.gov.auhttp://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au for an application form.