Fed: New remote child care service announced

AAP General News (Australia)
08-09-2000
Fed: New remote child care service announced

CANBERRA, Aug 9 AAP - Mobile creches will travel to families living on cattle and sheep
stations in remote and isolated parts of Australia to babysit children during mustering
and shearing.

Family and Community Services Minister Jocelyn Newman said the Remote and Isolated
Child Care Initiative (RICCI) would cover more than 650,000 square kms - an area equivalent
in size to two-thirds of South Australia.

"RICCI gives families access to in-home child care for a four week period when occupied
with work commitments such as shearing or mustering or when facing emergencies," Senator
Newman said.

The service was one of 72 new child care services set up in the past five years in
rural and remote areas of Australia providing 2,300 additional places, she said.

Formal child care services were often not available for farm families and where it
was, it often did not suit the particular needs of the families.

"This funding and assistance allows communities, including private operators and community
based operators to set up flexible and relevant childcare services," Senator Newman said.

"These services can be tailored to the specific needs of the local community, rather
than using an urban model or a one size fits all approach to childcare."

Under RICCI, mobile creches are also provided for field days, conferences and meetings.

Staff visiting remote sheep and cattle stations provide toy libraries, education, health
checks, parental support and advice as well as childcare.

AAP eg/mfh/maur

KEYWORD: CHILDCARE

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