Competitive grants are now available to support approved child care services in vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, regional and remote locations, and services that support vulnerable children.
Grants are available for approved services that may need a boost or to help meet the cost of capital works or upgrades that increase places for children in communities where more availability is needed.
Minister for Regional Education Andrew Gee said $117 million in Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) funding is available over three years, to 30 June 2024.
"The Australian Government is committed to helping families access affordable childcare, particularly for children in disadvantaged or remote communities," Mr Gee said.
"The Community Child Care Fund is a key part of the Government's Child Care Safety Net, supporting access to affordable early childhood education and care in communities where it is needed the most."
Minister Gee urged approved child care providers in eligible disadvantaged and remote communities to apply for funding.
"Accessing quality child care can be particularly challenging for families in regional and remote communities, compared to metropolitan centres, but it is no less important.
"The funding available through the CCCF open competitive grants round supports work to meet Closing the Gap targets by increasing participation of Indigenous children in early childhood education and care, and improving access for families."
The CCCF competitive grant opportunity is open for applications from 13 January to 22 February 2021, with payments expected to be made from 1 July 2021.
