mmg.com.au

Supporters of Tongala’s The Cottage childcare centre are seeking sponsors to enable the facility to continue running in its current form.

The centre’s committee held a public meeting last week with 33 parents, staff members, Tongala Community Bank representatives and community members present to consider its future.

Tongala Community and Activities Centre co-ordinator Danielle Florence said three options were put forward and discussed at the meeting.

‘‘Option one was for TCAC to continue as managers of The Cottage and look for corporate sponsorship,’’ Ms Florence said.

‘‘This was agreed as the preferred option, and the one which we will pursue, and from this a group of parents have formed a fundraising committee.’’

The second option was for Kyabram Pre-School Management Committee to take over the operation of The Cottage.

Ms Florence said the preference of those present was to keep management of the centre in Tongala, however, this was accepted as a good back-up option.

‘‘We have previously met with representatives of KPMC and discussed this possibility,’’ she said.

‘‘The third option was to close The Cottage altogether, but this was unanimously rejected.’’

At the moment the centre has the funds to run until the end of the year but is seeking funding to run next year and beyond.

‘‘We want to look beyond 2013 as we don’t want to be in the same position 12 months down the line,’’ Ms Florence said.

‘‘The Cottage not only offers a great place for young children to socialise, it also provides work placements and experience for local people studying for child care and children’s services qualifications.’’

The centre needs about $9000 a year to continue running and the committee will be approaching businesses for sponsorship.

‘‘We’re in the process of putting together a package and one of the options we’re considering is for local businesses to sponsor a child for a day, for the year or to sponsor them for a term.’’

■If you are interestes in assisting The Cottage, phone Danielle Florence at Tongala Community and Activities Centre on 58591268.