Applications for Early Childhood Education and Care Flood Recovery Grants (ECEC) are now open to Lismore and surrounding Local Government Areas.

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging eligible early childhood education and care (ECEC) services impacted by major flooding to apply for grants of up to $30,000 to help rebuild.

Ms Saffin said she hoped ECEC services in Lismore City, Tweed Shire and Kyogle local government areas would get their share of $9-million in funding from the NSW Government.

Services in the neighbouring LGAs of Byron Shire, Ballina Shire, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley can also apply for funding by the closing date of 30 May 2022.

“Many early childhood education and care operators in the Northern Rivers were severely impacted by the catastrophic flooding we experienced a few months ago, and any financial help is welcome,” Ms Saffin said.

“I hope and trust that this application process runs smoothly so that eligible services receive funding quickly to undertake repairs or replace valuable resources.

“Many local families rely heavily on ECEC services so the sooner they return to normal, the better it will be for our local communities.”

The ECEC Flood Recovery Grants are available to community preschools, mobile preschools, long day care services, multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services, Aboriginal Child and Family Centres, family day care services, occasional care services and out-of-school hours care services.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/floods/financial-support/businesses