Western NSW Workforce Activation Program - Round 2

To be eligible, applicants must be able to demonstrate and provide evidence that they:

• are approved to provide an eligible ECEC service in one or more of the 3 eligible LGAs. Eligible ECEC services are:
  • • long day care
    • family day care
    • preschool
    • mobile child care
    • out of hours school care.
• are a not-for-profit, for-profit or local government provider of ECEC services
• have the capacity to increase the number of ECEC places within an eligible LGA
• have an overall National Quality Standard (NQS) current rating of ‘Meeting NQS’ or higher*

* Requirement for NQS rating does not include newly established ECEC service providers who have not yet been given NQS rating.

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be able to demonstrate they are financially viable
• hold or commit to obtaining public liability insurance of not less than $20 million
• be a fit and proper person/legal entity
• not be insolvent, bankrupt, subject to ongoing legal proceedings or listed on the Australian Department of Education’s Enforcement Action Register
• declare in the application form that the applicant is not aware of any issues which could cause reputational or other risks to the NSW Government
• if applicable, provide evidence of the co-contribution towards the project.

Aboriginal ECEC services, including Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Stream 3 applicants

The following organisations are also eligible to apply for Stream 3 funding:

• public or privately owned organisations that are registered under the Australian Skills Quality Authority, including Registered Training Organisations, Private Schools or Universities.

• public or privately owned education and training organisations that are registered under the Australian Skills Quality Authority
• registered training organisations
• universities
• not-for-profit organisations coordinating applications or project delivery on behalf of or in partnership with eligible ECEC service providers.

All non-ECEC service provider applicants for Stream 3 must partner with one or more ECEC service provider/s in an eligible LGA and provide evidence of the partnership agreement. Details must also be provided on what the coordinating or training organisation will deliver and what the partnering ECEC services receive.

Eligible Aboriginal organisations providing support and/or delivery functions to ECEC services and workforce are encouraged to apply under Stream 3.

Location that are eligible include Carrathool, Hay, Warrumbungle

The following types of activities and costs are eligible for funding under each of the 3 streams:

Stream 1 – Service improvements and expansions

Projects that enable a service provider to increase the availability of ECEC places by improving or expanding services. This may include:

• extending current services by offering additional places in/across the eligible LGAs and maintaining the places for a minimum of 12 months
• providing additional transport options that allow for an increase in enrolments
• employing extra staff to assist with operational and administrative functions for maintaining or obtaining accreditation, or service delivery support for extra places, to return qualified staff to ECEC duties or to enable longer hours of operation for the duration of the project
• providing an additional ECEC service alongside an existing ECEC, such as a preschool adding an out of hours school care or mobile child care service.

Stream 1 projects can consider:

• covering staffing and recruitment costs for activities relating to their proposed project
• meeting operating expenses required to increase service hours or places, such as increased rent or utilities
• purchasing additional resources and equipment required to expand their services
• allowing for additional regulatory or council fees required to support extra places or to enable longer hours of operation.

Stream 1 projects must demonstrate a direct ability to increase the number of ECEC places offered in an eligible LGA.

Stream 2 – Capital works and upgrades

Projects that include capital works necessary for the service to accommodate additional ECEC places. This may include:

• undertaking capital works to modify, renovate, improve or extend existing buildings to expand capacity
• landscaping works, including fencing, shade sails and outdoor play areas and equipment to provide for the additional places.

Landowner’s consent is required for all applications for Stream 2 funding where the applicant is not the landowner.

Stream 2 projects must demonstrate a direct ability to increase the number of ECEC places offered in an eligible LGA.

Stream 3 – Workforce attraction and retention

Projects that will directly contribute to filling critical shortages in the ECEC workforce, thereby allowing for an increase in ECEC places available in an eligible LGA. This may include:

• a worker attraction program to engage, attract and relocate appropriately qualified ECEC professionals to fill vacancies or roles within an ECEC service
• a skills development program that creates or strengthens local workforce pipelines, such as providing training or other services, wrap around support, mentoring and professional development
• a professional development package that supports the retention of ECEC educators in roles with ongoing local workforce shortages.

All streams

Projects must commence within 6 months of the commencement date of the funding deed and be completed within 2 years from the commencement date of the funding deed.

Applicants will need to plan for and meet all regulatory requirements. A successful funding application does not guarantee approval from the relevant regulatory, government or planning decision-making body.

Inclusion and accessibility

Projects must demonstrate the provision of fit-for-purpose, accessible and safe facilities, or increased participation opportunities by using universal design principles to increase accessibility and inclusion. This applies to all streams, to improve accessibility and inclusion that encourages greater participation for children and adults.

Applicants will be required to describe how their project/s address inclusion and accessibility.

Improved outcomes for Aboriginal people

The NSW Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal people and communities to drive local and place-based initiatives and solutions through funded projects. It acknowledges regional communities are unique and therefore initiatives and solutions need to be bespoke, tailored and determined by the local community.

Projects that seek to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people must align with the skills, aspirations and experiences of local Aboriginal communities. These projects must address a demonstrated community need and deliver positive impact on social outcomes for Aboriginal people and communities in regional NSW.

All applicants will be required to describe how their organisation and project/s meets the needs of local Aboriginal people.