Above: Minister Sherryl Garbutt visits Narre Warren to announce new funding for outside school hours care in Casey. Back: Oatlands Primary School principal Stuart Daly, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan, Casey mayor Kevin Bradford, Ms Garbutt and coordinator Rachel Vera. Front: students Claire, Trey, Mitchell and Peggy.
TWO state MPS visited Casey this week in the lead-up to the November state election.
Minister for Children Sherryl Garbutt visited Narre Warren on Tuesday to announce a $105,000 funding boost for more outside school hours care places in Casey.
Speaking at Oatlands Primary School, Ms Garbutt said the funding for up to 21 extra planning grants was part of the Government’s $25 million Growing Communities, Thriving Children initiative.
“Outside school hours care (OSHC) is crucial for working parents and demand is growing rapidly in these municipalities where there is a higher concentration of young children,” Ms Garbutt said.
“Councils are encouraged to support schools and other community groups to plan proposals for a new or extra OSHC program with grants of $5000.”
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford and Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan also attended the funding announcement.
Mr Donnellan said the funding would give schools the resources to survey local parents, conduct planning meetings and print communication fliers.
OSHC includes after and before-school programs as well as vacation care.
“As well as more OSHC grants, the initiative will deliver better maternal and child health services, more accessible early childhood services and extra community health services for children,” Mr Donnellan said.
Transport Minister Peter Batchelor visited Narre Warren North yesterday (Wednesday) to officially open the Hallam Road duplication between the Hallam Bypass and James Cook Drive, declaring the duplication a big win for the local community.
“This $9.9 million duplication will improve road safety and ease traffic congestion for motorists,” Mr Batchelor said.
“Completion of the project means overall improved access for the community.
“Many residents rely on Hallam Road as their primary route for local travel and for access to major arterial roads in the region.
“And these benefits are being realised earlier than expected, with the road being opened five months ahead of schedule.”
Mr Donnellan also attended the official opening and said about 21,000 vehicles used this section of Hallam Road every day.
“This new duplication with a centre median to separate traffic will greatly improve road safety and reduce traffic delays generated by residential growth,” Mr Donnellan said.
