The subsidy was previously only for four-year-olds. 

Parent at Anglicare’s Orana Preschool Jennifer Craig said the increased subsidy is a welcome relief. 

“Being on one income and with the costs of living increasing, this subsidy will really help our household when our youngest child is ready for preschool,” Mrs Craig said. 

“Our eldest child has really benefited in Anglicare’s preschool environment – it’s an amazing place for her and the savings this subsidy brings means we can afford to pay for other things as she gets older like karate lessons.”

Anglicare’s Early Childhood Education and Care executive manager Simon Bennett also welcomed the budget move, which is expected to result in savings for households of up to $800 a year.

“The number of people accessing Anglicare’s support services in this area are growing so we know that more families are struggling to make ends meet,” Mr Bennett said. 

“Anglicare is encouraged by the government’s move to bring in this change and we hope that other states and territories will also follow suit.”  

Goulburn MP Pru Goward said it was great to see families in the region benefiting from the initiative. 

“When families get their children attending preschool it gives them a head start on their education,” Ms Goward said. Anglicare supports over 261 children through early childhood education and care programs.