Flood recovery grants now open for the ECEC sector for Northern NSW communities

Applications are now open for the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Flood Recovery Grants, available for eligible services in the Lismore, Ballina, Byron, Kyogle, the Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Tweed local government areas.

Open until 30 May, applications for the grants can be made via SmartyGrants for all ECEC services including community preschools, mobile preschools, long day care services, multifunctional Aboriginal children’s services, Aboriginal child and family centres, family day care services, occasional care or out of school hours care services.

Eligible services can apply for funding under the following categories:

• Minor capital works – renovations and repairs to existing buildings or premises
• Infrastructure items – large items that form part of the physical environment of the service such as mud kitchens, outdoor sports equipment, large furniture items
• Replacement of resources – including, but not limited to, IT equipment, toys and clothing
• Staff and administration costs – to support the building and repair of the physical and educational learning environments, support cleaning and other activities to allow a service to resume a quality service.

The application process has been streamlined to reduce the time taken to fill out the application form. For many services, the application process may take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Supporting evidence such as quotes are optional for the form. Services may obtain and keep this evidence after submitting the application. Evidence of expenditure, such as tax invoices, should be retained for the future audit process.

Funding of up to  $30,000 (ex GST) can be sought to allow services to repair or replace damaged equipment or infrastructure to aid them in restoring safe, quality learning environments for children. Funding can be used on resources or activities that have already been purchased or completed.

This will enable services to return to normal operations faster and to allow for the continuity of participation and learning for children, and support for families at that service.

Applications for the ECEC Flood Recovery Grants Program can be accessed here with reference to the Early Childhood Education and Care Flood Recovery Grants guidelines.

For further information and support services are invited to contact the Information and Enquiries team on 1800 619 113, or by emailing [email protected]