CHILDCARE centres across Orange will be able to help Aboriginal children feel more included thanks to grants from the state government.
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Goodstart Early Learning Centre received $9947 to buy cultural resources and invest further in its native sustainability garden.
Early childhood teacher Mick Wallace said previously the funds had been invested in a Glenn Sutherland painting for the centre, plus furniture in the garden.
"It's just a nice space with active play areas and it's also a quiet space," he said.
Mr Wallace said the centre was yet to decide where the funds would be spent this year, but parents would be included in the decision.
LiveBetter also benefited from the funding, with its Glenroi Preschool receiving $7205.
The Play Learn LiveBetter Preschool in Bowen received $6000 and Mullion Creek received $3500.
Children and family services operational manager Jenny Nalder said the money could be spent on anything from music, dance and language classes to breakfast programs and healthy snacks.
"We know from the research children learn better with food in their tummies and this is so families don't feel rushed, it's okay because the kids can eat at the service," she said.
"We're crossing our fingers it will continue - it makes a huge difference to what we can provide."
Mrs Nalder said Aboriginal trainee childcare workers had been employed at a number of the centres, which would also help families feel more at home.
NSW upper house member Sam Farraway said the funding aimed to increase the number of Aboriginal children and children from disadvantaged backgrounds attending a preschool program.
"Services right across NSW were encouraged to apply for grants of up to $100,000 to support transport initiatives like new buses or vehicles to make it easier for children to get to a service," he said.
"They could also apply for grants of up to $10,000 to invest in a range of vital activities like breakfast programs and Aboriginal culture classes to further encourage preschool attendance."
Mr Farraway hoped the money would make a difference for Orange's youngest community members.
"Every child, no matter their postcode or background, should have access to an early childhood service."
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