Integreat Queensland’s Childcare Centre steps ahead thanks to Rio Tinto, Here for Gladstone
Integreat Queensland’s Childcare Centre steps ahead thanks to Rio Tinto, Here for Gladstone.
Local not for profit, Integreat Queensland received seed funding for a new ‘Little Steps’ early childcare centre thanks to a grant from Here for Gladstone a joint initiative of Rio Tinto’s Gladstone operations.
It’s hoped the funding will help make it easier for local parents to access childcare, with the Centre addressing the shortage of childcare services in the area while also focusing on developing the childcare workforce capability.
Integreat Queensland’s General Manager Charmaine Bennett explained this was an opportunity to help the local community. ‘The demand for childcare services in the Gladstone region is substantial, and with the support from Here for Gladstone, we can start on the journey to bridge this gap. We are grateful for the funding from ‘Here for Gladstone’ and really excited about the project. We do know, however, that additional funding will be needed to sustain and expand our efforts.”
Rio Tinto Gladstone Communities Manager, Elle Pound explained Here for Gladstone was proud to continue its commitment to Gladstone and the region through the strong partnership with Integreat Queensland ‘Our partnership began by exploring ways to address challenges experienced by our community as a result of a shortage of childcare services and childcare workforce capability development. This next stage of our commitment to this project will see us invest in a new Childcare Centre in Gladstone to help address the shortage of childcare services and placements in our community,’ Elle said.
Little Steps Childcare is designed to cater to the unique needs of the region and families from all cultures, providing flexible and affordable childcare options while celebrating diversity and ensuring quality evidence-based care and education. ‘We are excited to see Little Steps Community Childcare develop further and H4G and Rio Tinto are proud to continue to support this fantastic and innovative solution.
About Integreat Queensland
Integreat Queensland is committed to promoting reconciliation, integration, mutual respect, and tolerance among diverse groups of individuals in Australia. The organisation operates with a set of core values, celebrating diversity, practicing inclusivity, working ethically and with integrity, and striving to be innovative and impactful.
About Here for Gladstone
Here For Gladstone represents the community contributions for Rio Tinto Yarwun, Boyne Smelters Limited and Queensland Alumina Limited. Established in 2002, the Here for Gladstone fund fosters active partnerships within the Gladstone community and supports community-based projects aimed at making a positive difference.
About Little Steps model
Integreat Queensland’s innovative childcare model, aligned with the Abecedarian curriculum, provides enhanced educational outcomes for children aged zero to five. This multiculturally aware and supportive environment strongly emphasises diversity and inclusion. By offering face-to-face Childcare Cert III training, supplemented with essential skills training, such as workplace English, the Centre aims to serve as a training centre of excellence. The initiative also stands as a testament to the organisation’s commitment to regional sustainability, aligning with Industry needs.
