Lotterywest grant will support new ECEC service for Mingenew

The Western Australian Government has put forward a $500,000 Lotterywest grant to support the expansion of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in Mingenew.

The grant will go towards the construction of a new purpose-built facility for the town’s only childcare service, Mingenew Education and Care, allowing the service to increase its capacity to 24 places, extend the age range of children it cares for, and provide ECEC service five days per week. 

In addition to the changes outlined above, the service will also be able to offer before and after school care which is not currently available. 

“This is a great outcome for the community of Mingenew who have worked tirelessly to see this project become a reality,” said WA Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton.

“We know that access to quality early childhood education and care is vital to meeting the needs of young children and families in regional communities.”

Shire of Mingenew President Gary Cosgrove said the announcement was “fantastic news” for the community, thanking the Community Resource Centre and Council, Lotterywest, parents, and the community for their fundraising efforts in delivering $500,000 towards the project. 

“This project will be an important enabler for attracting key workers and families to town, with the projected Arrowsmith Energy Hub development, and also providing existing families with a full five-day service,” he added.