Member for Cootamundra announces dual recipients of QLE grants in electorate

Steph Cooke, Member for Cootamundra (NSW), has announced funding for the Ardlethan Preschool and the new Ariah Park Preschool under the Quality Learning Environments (QLE) program.

Ardlethan Preschool was awarded a $9,851 grant from the NSW Government which will be used to purchase soft fall mats, a deck and sandpit cover and post protectors, while Ariah Park was awarded a $15,000 grant from the Quality Learning Environments program, which will be used to purchase soft fall mats to be installed under climbing equipment.

Ariah Park has received four grants under the QLE program, while Ardlethan has received three under the popular initiative. 

Support for Ardlethan amounts to $29,621.85 over the last three years, while Ariah Park has received $37,802.85 from the three previous rounds, which has been used to improve the sewerage system, install other soft fall and build a mud kitchen.

Ardlethan Preschool Director Fiona Minchin said the service is appreciative of the funding, which has allowed them to tick off some “big ticket items” in a backyard area revamp, which has been taking place for the past five years.

“This is a small community so it’s hard to fundraise and particularly last year with COVID it was even more difficult, so this has some at a really good time,” she added. 

The latest investment will allow the outdoor space to continue to be developed, and provide students and staff with more options to play regardless of weather. 

Ariah Park Preschool Director Leanne Nixon said the QLE grant was a welcome boost at her service also, outlining the role of the grant in creating a multipurpose space “where we can move the equipment around and have a moveable playground, giving us great flexibility in what we do.”

For more information on the QLE Grants program, please see here.