samantha in the press - early years

Funding cut
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison-Sowden
4 Oct 2011

samantha in the press - early years

Yarra Ranges plea for Take a Break fix
Leader Newspapers
by Kimberley Seedy
22 September 2011

samantha in the press - early years

Child care lobby
Mail Newspapers
by Mara Pattison Sowden
20 September 2011

samantha in the press - early years

Childcare rally backed in Yarra Ranges
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Natalie Kotsios
19 Aug 2011

occasional child care cuts

report from the roundtable - 26 jul 2011

At last week's council meeting I had submitted a motion regarding the withdrawal of funding for the Take a Break Occassional Child Care.

The motion called for a report so council could understand the implications for families and providers of the service (usually community houses) in the Yarra Ranges and also consider the most effective advocacy actions.

There's currently over 400 families affected in Yarra Ranges and 5 providers across the municipality being Belgrave South Community House, Japara House, Chirnside Park Neighbourhood House, Upper Yarra Community House and Monbulk Neighbourhood Playgroup. Occasional Child Care provides such an important service to family I felt is was very important that councillors were aware of the impact.

At a recent meeting with one of our local MPs there was a commitment made to reinstate the state funding if the federal government also reinstated their component of the funding (axed in last budget). It's time for both tiers of government to come together and reinstate this important funding rather than point the finger of blame at each other.

I'm pleased to say councillors voted unanimously to support the motion.

There's a facebook campaign running on this issue, if you're interested in finding out more click here.

samantha in the press - early years

Mums count costs of Take a Break cuts
Yarra Ranges Weekly
by Natalie Kotsios
2 Aug 2011

samantha in the press - childcare

Childcare cut a blow to hills families
Leader Newspapers
by Adrian Bernecich
16 July 2011

samantha in the press - chilcare

Childcare cut a blow to families
Leader Newspaper
by Adrian Bernecich
11 July 2011

occasional child care at risk

Last week I attended the Save Occasional Child Care Rally in Melbourne.

Coordinated by the Association of Neighbourhood Houses and Learning Centres among other things a petition of 3000 signatures was presented to parliament requesting the reinstatement of funding.

Last year the federal government withdrew funding from Occassional Child Care Services, whilst this year the state government withdrew it's funding too.

It was evident at the rally that the blame game is well and truly in play. The State Government blaming the Federal Government, the Federal Government blaming the State Government.

Rather than pointing the finger of blame, of more importance to families is for government to reinstate the funding. Occasional Child Care plays a critical role, providing flexible care which can be taken on a sessional basis or casual basis.

It provides children with the opportunity to socialise, gives parents much needed time, whether it be for part time work, to go to medical appointments without the littlies in tow, go to job interviews or manage mental health issues. Whatever the need it is an important childcare service that needs to be funded.

Many community houses in Yarra Ranges provide Occasional Child Care and I am concerned about the implications for them and the families that use the service. I will be calling for a report so council can understand the ramifications of this retrograde decision.

Rather than pointing the finger of blame, both the federal and state governments should be working on a way to make it happen, occasional child care is too important to lose.