June 18, 2015
Cherbourg children look set to benefit from the Federal Government’s expansion of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY).
Cherbourg is one of seven new sites for the Brotherhood of St Lawrence program announced this year in Queensland.
The others are located at Cairns Central, Cairns South, Cooktown, Deception Bay, Doomadgee and the Northern Peninsula area.
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss said HIPPY was a two-year home-based parenting and early childhood learning program to empower parents and carers to become their child’s first teacher.
The program aims to build the confidence and skills of parents and carers to create a positive learning environment to prepare their child for school.
There is no cost to families participating in the program.
“The program provides parents and carers with skills and confidence to be involved in their child’s teaching from the start, so their children can learn the basics before they begin school,” Mr Truss said.
“I am pleased the program is being rolled out in Cherbourg, and I am optimistic that this extra funding will make a real difference in the Cherbourg community by providing extra support to local families with children who are beginning their schooling.
“The Coalition Government recognises that it is extremely important to ensure children have a strong educational foundation if they are to succeed at school and later in life.
“This program is a step towards creating positive change in indigenous communities by encouraging children to enjoy learning in the family home.
“The extra sites mean HIPPY will operate in 100 communities across Australia, benefiting around 4000 children each year. The government has invested more than $100 million in the HIPPY program since 2008.”
The Brotherhood of St Lawrence has announced that expressions of interest are now open to select not-for-profit service providers to deliver HIPPY in Cherbourg from mid-2015.
To find out more, or to inquire about participating in the program, visit www.hippyaustralia.org.au or phone (03) 9445-2400.
