Moree Plains Shire Councillor Kerry Cassells, left, Pius X Aboriginal Corporation CEO Donna Taylor, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Mayor Katrina Humphries with Kiah Preschool students and their new books yesterday.
Wednesday, 4 December 2019
SANTA Claus will receive some additional help this Christmas after Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Moree Plains Shire Council teamed up yesterday to deliver books to young children across the region.
Mr Marshall announced a $5,000 gift from the State Government to help council purchase 700 books which will be given to local kids this Christmas.
“Christmas is the season for giving and this year with many families doing it tough due to the drought council’s book distribution is a thoughtful way to lift people’s spirits and improve local educational outcomes,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is one of many strategies which is being driven by the Moree Plains Shire’s Education Committee as it work to improve the literacy skills of its youngest residents, many of who are disadvantaged.
“Over the next three weeks council’s sleigh will be rolling across the country side to villages like Pallamallawa, Mungindi and Ashley to deliver books and I urge parents to keep an eye on council’s Facebook page to find out when those visits will happen.
“Whether it’s Dad, Mum or the children the stress the drought is placing on families is immense and if this funding can put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas then this project has been worth it.”
Mr Marshall said initially the book distribution would focus on those who had limited access to early childhood education and reading materials.
“In the Moree Plains Shire there are just over 1,000 children under the age of five, with 610 of those participating in preschool and early childhood education regularly,” he said.
“Every child in country NSW deserves the best possible start to life and I fully support initiatives like this which encourages them to read at an early age, grow their vocabulary and build their emotional confidence ahead of going to big school.
“This program also has a nice family element to it with the hope parents will be encouraged to take some time out, sit with their kids and read a new book with them.”