Bega Valley Shire Library has welcomed two years of funding support from Snowy Hydro to sustain its Here 2 Help Children's Program at Tura Library, ensuring migrant families in the region continue to access vital early learning and settlement services.
The funding was celebrated at a launch event at Tura Marrang Library last week, bringing together representatives from Council, Snowy Hydro, TAFE NSW, program participants and volunteers to mark the continuation of the partnership.
"We are extremely grateful for this funding, which recognises the value and impact of the Here 2 Help Children's Program," Council's Community and Cultural Services Manager, Yvette Parker said.
"The program provides a welcoming space where children can learn, play and build confidence, while their parents receive critical support to develop language, education and employment skills.
"It has become an important pathway for helping new families feel connected, supported and able to fully participate in community life."
Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said the partnership demonstrated the positive impact that could be achieved when organisations worked together to support new families.
"Celebrating the launch of this partnership was a great opportunity to recognise the difference Here 2 Help is making for families across our community," Mayor Fitzpatrick said.
"Programs like this help children get the best possible start while giving parents the support and confidence they need to build their lives here in the Bega Valley.
"It's wonderful to welcome Snowy Hydro's support and working together to create stronger connections and a more inclusive community."
Snowy Hydro's Head of Social Impact and Community Sarah Norris said the collaboration would help support the smooth integration of migrant families into the region, while strengthening the region's vibrant social fabric
"We're delighted to partner with Bega Valley Shire Council to ensure new families feel supported, connected and truly at home in Bega Valley ," Ms Norris said.
"Through Snowy 2.0, Snowy Hydro and principal contractor Future Generation Joint Venture have engaged 29 local businesses and invested more than $6 million in the Bega Valley Shire.
"The Here 2 Help program provides English language tuition, settlement support, driver education and employment readiness assistance to many migrant families in the Merimbula area, including families of the Snowy 2.0 project workforce."
Over the last two years, the program has been delivered through a collaboration between a TAFE NSW facilitator, community multicultural facilitator, Cayce Hill, dedicated library volunteers and library staff.
The children's program is an essential component of the broader Here 2 Help adult literacy and numeracy hub and delivers a structured early literacy experience for young children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Importantly, the children's program also enables parents participating in Here 2 Help to spend uninterrupted one-on-one time with tutors.
The program also helps volunteers to develop new skills and play an integral role in building a stronger, more inclusive community.
First established at Bega Library in 2022, Here 2 Help expanded to Tura Library in 2024 in response to growing demand and due to the absence of comparable services in the area.
"Without this secured funding and support from Snowy Hydro, the long-term future of the Here 2 Help program at Tura Library would be at risk," Ms Parker said.
