News

Liberal Nationals ensure a brighter future for Cobram children

Friday 9 November 2018

Cobram children will have a brighter future under an elected Liberal Nationals Government’s plan to boost support for local parents and children in the early years of schooling.

The Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy was joined by Shadow Minister for Young Victorians Steph Ryan today to announce Cobram Primary School would be home to a Brighter Futures Community Hub that will cater for the needs of families at all points of a child’s early years through to primary school.

Mr McCurdy said the $1.98 million project will help families to access the support they need.

“The Liberal Nationals will ensure local children have a brighter future by investing in the Cobram integrated education hub that better supports parents and ensures local children reach their full potential,” Mr McCurdy said.

“The Cobram Brighter Futures Community Hub will incorporate the current facilities of Cobram Primary School with community needs providing a centralised location for allied health, early childhood, maternal and child health, playgroup, long daycare, kindergarten, family care and spaces for community service groups.”

Mr McCurdy said the Hub will better connect service providers with families in need, providing opportunities for early intervention.

“This hub will benefit the entire school community and families in the wider Cobram community, reducing barriers to accessing family services, particularly for those in need,” he said.

“I’m pleased to work in collaboration with the Cobram Primary School on this project and local health and education service providers who have identified the need and benefit of this hub.”

Ms Ryan said in government the Liberal Nationals will invest $80 million into the Brighter Futures Fund to develop integrated education hubs in rural and regional communities, including Moira Shire, where children had been identified as developmentally vulnerable.

“We’ll give our youngest rural and regional Victorians the best start in life, improving education opportunities through better support for parents and children in the early years of schooling,” Ms Ryan said.

“Where you grow up shouldn’t determine your future. We need to take action to ensure our children have the best start in life.”