Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced more than $8,000 in funding for a Cowra preschool to make sure the drought doesn't get in the way of learning.
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Ms Cooke said Cowra Early Childhood Services is to receive $8,400 to help ensure the adverse economic conditions brought on by the drought do not affect children's attendance.
"It's wonderful to be able to announce this news for Cowra Early Childhood Services and the children who attend," Ms Cooke said.
"When the drought is making itself felt in the family budget then of course hard decisions have to be made. This funding will ensure that children can keep going to preschool and continue to enjoy the learning and fun which makes preschool such an important part of the educational journey."
Preschools can use this funding to assist families and children in a range of ways, including transport arrangements to maintain preschool participation, crisis planning or fee subsidies to further support families.
Ms Cooke said these payments will ensure services in the Cootamundra electorate can continue to operate during the adverse economic conditions associated with the drought period.
"The NSW Government knows how crucial it is to continue to support families and businesses who are struggling," Ms Cooke said.
"Times are tough, but people in Cowra are resilient and we need to keep functioning as normally as possible."
Penny Smith, director of Cowra Early Childhood Services, said the funding will help as children prepare to transition to the next stage of learning.
"Everybody is doing it tough which could be critical for children in Term Four, because we encourage children attending once a week to start attending twice a week," she said.
"One of the first things to go when financial situations tighten is children's attendance at preschool, but we don't want them missing out because social and emotional wellbeing is important for children when they have to cope with being out in the wider world of school."
Ms Cooke pointed out how harsh the conditions have become in some parts of NSW.
"This year has been one of the driest winters on record, which is why the NSW Government has committed more than $1 billion to date to help those who are struggling."
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