An Aboriginal preschool in Lismore will receive $350,000 to continue its literacy and numeracy programs.
The funding, announced today by Page MP Kevin Hogan, follows concerns that Jarjum Aboriginal Pre-School would miss out on additional funding for the next two and a half years following the introduction of the Federal Government Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS).
Preschool director Maurita Cavanough told APN media at the time the IAS was launched in April that the pre-school would have to cut back on two to three staff members because of proposed funding cuts.
She said a spokesperson from the department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet had talked her through the cuts.
Mr Hogan said today that he began to lobby his parliamentary colleagues as soon as he became aware of the proposed cuts.’
He said Jarjum provided a crucial service to Indigenous children.
‘I will always fight for the best outcomes for all our community.
‘I may not always win, but I will always go into bat for what is right for our community.
‘I even took the opportunity to take the Assistant health minister Fiona Nash to Jarjum during her recent visit to Lismore to see firsthand the wonderful program the pre-school delivers for our children.”
Jarjum Preschool provides a food and transport program as well as a screening program which links in with other services to ensure children don’t get left behind.
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