Mareeba Shire Council has welcomed news that the State Government has continued funding to improve literacy for young Queenslanders.
Minister for Arts Leeanne Enoch recently announced the Government’s annual commitment of $5 million to continue the popular learning initiative First 5 Forever.
She said the Palaszczuk Government made the commitment to continue First 5 Forever and provide direct support to Queensland families and primary caregivers in building a literary foundation for children aged five and under.
“First 5 Forever, delivered by the State Library of Queensland in partnership with 62 local governments, supports the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to nurture the creative minds of our kids,” Ms Enoch said.
Mareeba Shire Libraries will benefit from the funding, enabling early learning literacy programs to continue.
The programs will continue to run from Mareeba and Kuranda Library, Dimbulah Community Kindergarten and Childcare Centre and Julatten Community Centre.
A spokesperson for the Mareeba Library said the Rhyme Time Program which is funded by First 5 Forever was popular with families and it was pleasing to see funding for the initiative continue.
“Literacy is one of the keys to learning and First 5 Forever will continue to unlock the enormous potential for young Queenslanders, now and into the future,” she said.
“We extend our appreciation to the State Government for their ongoing commitment to ensuring young Queenslanders get the best start through the love of reading.”
For more information regarding the First 5 Forever Program contact the Mareeba Library on 40864622.