Twelve preschools and two community groups in the Clarence and Richmond Valley have just won nearly $150,000 in NSW Government grants, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis has announced. “It is up to the preschools how they use this funding but it could cover things like shade cloths, kitchen gardens to teach children where their food comes from or an outdoor jungle gym to encourage a child’s hand-eye coordination,” Mr Gulaptis said. The preschool winners in the latest round of grants averaging around $10,000 are Bentley, Coutts Crossing, Evans Head, Woodburn-Evans Head, Glenreagh, Iluka, Jumbunna in Casino, Lawrence, Maclean, St Mary’s in Casino, Uniting in Grafton and Yamba. Mr Gulaptis said that while he was proud of the physical infrastructure being delivered by the NSW Government, including the multi-billion dollar highway upgrade, the new bridge and Australia’s largest gaol in Grafton, he was also passionate about building social infrastructure. “Where best to start than with the toddlers? We’ve managed to cut preschool fees and increase attendance. These new grants will really help kids get a great start in life,” Mr Gulaptis said. Mr Gulaptis also announced modest grants to help celebrate the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week celebrations. “Mid Richmond Neighbourhood Centre in Evans Head has won $1500 towards celebrations with a focus on women “because of her we can” looking to the future and learning from the past,” Mr Gulaptis said. “The Gummyaney Aboriginal Corporation in Grafton has been awarded $750 for a project aimed at sharing Indigenous culture in local preschools.” NAIDOC Week runs from 8 to 15 July 2018. For more information visit naidoc.org.au.