Ensuring access to early intervention can allow kids to get the best possible start in life, no matter their challenges or location, and help them to reach their full potential.
These are the guiding principles of Casino-based Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre, winner of the January round of Greater Bank’s #GreaterNorthernRivers community funding program, who plan to use the cash injection to continue to build capacity at the centre.
The centre has received $2,000 for topping the public vote, with runners-up, Our Kids - Northern Rivers Children's Health Fund (Lismore) and Association of Veteran Surfers Ballina Byron Inc. both receiving $500.
Jumbunna General Manager, Karen McDermott, said the centre provides a broad range of services supporting young children across the region.
“Jumbunna is the specialised early childhood intervention service for the area, providing education, therapy, family support and inclusion for children with disability, developmental delay or who are at risk of delay aged birth to 18 years of age,” Karen said.
“The name Jumbunna is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘talk together’ and it reflects the philosophy of our centre. By talking, playing and working together, children and adults learn to understand and hence accept each other.
“All kids deserve to have the best chance to make the most of their lives and we are most appreciative of the support from Greater Bank that will help us to continue to build the capacity within the centre and give kids the assistance and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Karen McDermott, Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre General Manager
Greater Northern Rivers Regional Sales Manager, Scott McCluskey, said investing in children delivers an exceptional return.
“The earlier the intervention, the better the outcome for children, so we are delighted to be able to make a contribution,” Scott said.
“These children are the future of the Northern Rivers so it’s very important we support them and play a role in helping them reach their potential.”
Voting in the February round of the #GreaterNorthernRivers Community Funding Program is now open, with Blazeaid (Casino), Eltham Public School P & C Association (Casino) and Human Nature Adventure Therapy (Ballina) in the running for a share of $3,000 for the month.
The public can vote online at www.greater.com.au/greaternorthernrivers until 5:00pm, Wednesday, 2 March 2022.