Merri-bek signs up to support children to Thrive By Five
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By the year 2036, it’s expected that there will be over 20,000 children and young people living in Merri-bek.
The first five years of a child’s life are fundamentally important, and the foundation that shapes their future health, happiness, growth and development.
The cost of childcare in Australia has risen faster than the cost of housing or electricity. Despite childcare considered an essential service, many cannot access high quality learning services or simply cannot afford it.
Moreland Council is supporting the Thrive By Five campaign, calling on the Federal Government to create a high quality, universally accessible and affordable early learning and childcare system in Australia.
“We are proud to support the Thrive By Five campaign and I encourage many Merri-bekers to sign up to the campaign to show their support as well,” Said Mayor of Merri-bek, Cr Mark Riley.
Cr Riley said that the rising cost of childcare is a serious issue because it creates extra financial burden which in turn may prevent many community members from entering or re-entering the workforce.
“Gender equality is something we work hard to support here in Merri-bek, and access to affordable childcare is a major contributor to opening up opportunities to pursue employment.”
“Many Australian women limit their days of work per week, because of the tipping point where the cost of care becomes unreasonably expensive when compared with earning potential.
Thrive By Five is an initiative of Minderoo Foundation that is campaigning to make our early learning childcare system high quality and universally affordable.
To join the Thrive By Five campaign and sign the petition online.