On Friday, member for Murrumbidgee Adrian Piccoli announced Griffith Central Preschool had been awarded a capital works grant of $80,000.

Director of Griffith Child Care Centre Inc, Neville Dwyer said that the additional top up capital grant would enable the preschool’s planned expansion project to go ahead as there was a shortfall in funds to undertake the project.

“We were reluctant to seek a loan because this would have added an additional cost burden that parents would have had to meet,” Mr Dwyer said.

“The Griffith Central Preschool is to be located in the old bowling club building which will be transformed from a space that once entertained adults to one that now will bring joy to children and their families.  

 “Much of the existing style of the current building will remain as a significant part of the site with additions such as new bathrooms and other alterations that will successfully enable Griffith Central Preschool to function as a children’s service.”  

Mr Piccoli said the funding would enable an addition 20 places at the preschool.

“I am delighted to hear that Griffith Central Preschool has been successful in its submission,” Mr Piccoli said.

“The funding is part of the Government’s move to secure a preschool education delivered by qualified teachers to all children in their year before kindergarten.

Mr Piccoli said the weight of research was clearly in favour of supporting preschool children to ensure they were properly prepared to make the most of their formal schooling, right from their first day in kindergarten.

“Clearly the identified need in Griffith, as well as the quality of the proposed construction work and long-term viability of the service has combined to deliver this win for local young families,” he said.