Country children in Coonamble count their chickens in NSW Government “cash splash”

A deluxe chicken coop, a kitchen, bike track, playhouse and climbing equipment are just some of the delights children in western New South Wales have to look forward to, thanks to what local news source The Daily Liberal has termed “a clash splash”.  

Preschools and not-for-profit long day care centres will benefit from funding sourced through the quality learning environments grants program. Local MP Dugald Saunders said he was “thrilled” that children in the region would be able to benefit from the funding. 

Dubbo early childhood service Gowrie Early Education has received $8,550, the Liberal said, which would be used to erect a shade sail to provide sun protection for the children. Centre Manager Gemma Lavelle said the sail would give children the opportunity to spend more time outdoors. 

With enrolments at the centre recently extended by 20 places, Ms Lavelle said the funding would support the team to cater to the growing needs of the community, which had changed since the centre’s opening in 2017. 

Other funding recipients include Goodstart Early Learning on Wheelers Lane, which will use its $8,384 towards lockers and a playhouse; Dubbo Christian School, with $7,417 for climbing equipment; and, $9,850 for Coonamble Preschool to install a chicken coop. 

Murrin Bridge Preschool and Burren Junction Preschool will each receive $10,000 for climbing equipment and a children’s kitchen respectfully, while Cobar Mobile Children’s Service will use its $5,932 to install soft fall, bedding, a cubby house and a portable shade sail. Bourke and District Children’s Services Preschool will create a bike track with its $6,579 allocation. 

To read the original coverage of this story, as produced by The Daily Liberal, please see here.