Grant to assist new before and after school care development

Two businesses will get a helping hand with new initiatives, thanks to the latest round of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program.

Council recently approved two applications recommended by the Business Partner Program Advisory Group including $7000 for the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia towards drainage and works at the CMCA RV Park.

The Chandos Street motorhome park is utilised by tourists visiting town.

A further $3000 was awarded for Li’l Achievers Early Learning Centre towards renovations to allow a before and after-school education centre to operate.

Li’l Achievers Early Learning Centre owner-operator Brooke Patriquin said the grant will help fast-track opening of the before and after-school centre.

“We would like to thank the Gunnedah Shire Council for its ongoing support by supplying funding which allows us to fast track the much needed renovations,” she said.

“We are currently in the final stages of this development and are looking to open our doors to parents on March 6.

“Being privately owned, we do our best to cater for our community and their needs for their children. The funding will be used to help with the renovations to our first existing building which has just had a fresh coat of paint, new flooring and an adequate and appropriate bathroom installed.

“We are also working on a basketball court, handball court and soccer run. Inside we have brand new furniture including resources, food prep area and appliances.

“We are currently taking enrolments for the before and after-school care as well as vacation care.”

Business Partner Program advisory group chair Ann Luke said both applications met the program’s criteria of encouraging business expansion and targeting economic activity.

“We’re encouraged to see Gunnedah shire businesses coming up with initiatives that support our growing economy,” Cr Luke said.

“One supports our visitor economy and the other will allow before and after-school care, supporting parents’ ability to work, creating flow-on
benefits for our community.

“Over the years, the Business Partner Program has helped hundreds of businesses achieve something new to broaden our economic base and help Gunnedah to grow. This round adds another $10,000 to the total that will, where possible, employ local people and businesses to do the work that will generate more opportunities for our shire.

“I thank everyone for their efforts.”

Council received four applications in round two of the program. Two applications were deemed ineligible for assessment in this round, however, these applicants are eligible to apply again in future rounds. Applications are also now open for Round 3 of the Business Partner Program.

Businesses with fresh ideas to assist in local employment are encouraged to apply. Businesses do not have to be head quartered in Gunnedah to be eligible however, funding is only available for sites in the Gunnedah shire.

Details are available on council’s website: Applications close at 12pm on Tuesday, February 28. Businesses can apply for up to 75 per cent of the total project cost. Last year’s grant recipients included Focus on Function ($3750 towards a business expansion) and Luxe Lounge ($1750 towards business rebranding).