A break for mums

By Tania Martin
HILLS mums who need a break can benefit from a State Government cash boost for occasional care.
Children’s Minister Maxine Morand last week announced funding for the program would receive a $1 million cash injection in 2010-11.
“This program provides great support to parents and also is important for early learning and social experiences for children aged 0-6 years,” she said.
“This additional funding will mean the more than 220 children’s centres offering the program will continue being funded.”
The Take-A-Break occasional care program is offered at a number of childcare centres across the hills including Emerald Community House and Morrison’s in Mount Evelyn.
Previously the program had been jointly funded with the Federal Government and had recently undergone a review.
Emerald Community House co-ordinator Mary Farrow feared cash would be pulled from the program after the Commonwealth opted out.
She said it was great news for Emerald with more than 42 kids attending the program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Ms Farrow said it was a great concept which gave mums a break to do things they wouldn’t ordinarily get done with the kids in tow.
“They can get the grocery shopping done or pay some bills or just give themselves a break,” she said.
Ms Farrow said most mums were also acting as the CEO of their husband’s small home-based businesses and needed time for the accounting.
She said it was also a vital program for those mums wanting to volunteer in their community or attend further education.
Morrisons CEO Jan Simmons feared she said it was fantastic to see the gov-ernment putting money into this vital initiative.
“But we hope the funding goes beyond just this year,” she said.
Ms Simmons said the program not only gave mums a much-needed break from their broods but also reduced the cost of childcare for many struggling families.
“The aim is clearly for mums to take a break … it’s a healthy thing to do and it’s also good for the children to mix with others,” she said.