Jumbunna Community Preschool and Early Intervention Centre at Casino has been singled out by State Government leader Dom Perrottet for a prestigious NSW Premier’s Award for creating a unique preschool model that gives children the best possible start to their learning journey, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced.
Mr Gulaptis surprised Preschool Director, Karen McDermott and Board members with the award on Thursday, accompanied by Nationals Candidate for Clarence, Richie Williamson.
“The team at Jumbunna, led by their passionate leader, Karen McDermott, who has been at the helm for 34 years, are doing some wonderful things in giving our littlest learners the supports and strategies they need to prepare for school,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“They have initiated visiting professionals, including paediatricians and hearing and vision professionals to attend the service and run clinics for disadvantaged families who would otherwise not be able to access these services due to transport issues.
“Along with a team of dedicated teachers and allied health professionals, they have created a model that not only demonstrates care, compassion and a nurturing environment, but are improving the health and wellbeing of children of all abilities, their families and in turn the wider community.
“Jumbunna is certainly one of a kind. Its team has demonstrated inspiring leadership, and I’m thrilled to be able to present them with such a prestigious award from the NSW Premier.”
The award was endorsed by leading local paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall who described Jumbunna as “a wonderful treasure and a glittering jewel”, in his letter supporting the award.
“Put simply children with ability and disability are cheek and jowl, learning from each other and becoming more tolerant to each as a result,” Dr Ingall wrote.
“Throw in teachers and allied health professionals who are also learning from each other valuable skills for children who have both ability and disability, and you a have a very fertile and productive mix.”
The allied health services at Jumbunna will soon be able to move into a beautiful new hub next door thanks to its success in securing a $1.6 million grant jointly funded by the NSW Nationals in Government and former Federal Government through Member for Page Kevin Hogan, with the land kindly donated by the Casino Food Co-op.