Childcare support in Warrumbungle Shire

Childcare providers in the Warrumbungle Shire are being encouraged to apply for state grants by the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.

The grants are part of a NSW government program that delivers more childcare places in western NSW.

Grants to expand or upgrade early childhood education services in the Warrumbungle Shire will be available under the second phase of the NSW Workforce Activation Program.

Mr Butler said the benefits will be felt across the community.

“Many western towns have very low childcare availability, so this program is doing very important work in expanding childcare access for local families,” said Mr Butler.

“But it’s not just local families that will benefit – being able to access childcare means parents are freed up to enter the workforce, which has flow-on effects across local economies.

“We also know that accessing childcare is a barrier for families relocating to the West; it is a hindrance to attracting skilled and essential workers, which holds back our communities,” said Mr Butler.

The first phase of the NSW Workforce Activation Program was rolled out in Broken Hill, Cobar and Bourke last year.

“The NSW government has already made $5.6 million available to create an extra 189 childcare places in Broken Hill, Bourke and Cobar,” said Mr Butler.

“Local facilities are hiring and upskilling staff and planning building upgrades.

“I thank the NSW government for expanding the program to the Warrumbungle Shire, and I encourage local providers to submit an application before the deadline of Friday, November 7, 2025.”