Funding to help keep Noah's Ark Toy Library on road in country areas

28/10/97

Disability Services Minister Paul Omodei has stepped in to keep the Noah's Ark Toy Library on the road in country areas.

Mr Omodei today committed an additional $21,000 in recurrent funding to the service, now in its 22nd year of providing specialised toys and play equipment for children with disabilities.

The funding will enable the library's van to continue travelling up to 350km from its Perth base and for toys to be mailed to children beyond this arc.

For many years the Disability Services Commission has funded Noah's Ark's core services at its North Perth library, which is visited regularly by more than 460 families and therapists.

"With more than 800 country children subscribing, there is clearly a strong need for Noah's Ark's outreach service," Mr Omodei said.

"I am delighted the Government is able to guarantee that it will continue.

"Toys are a vital part of every child's development and in the case of children with disabilities it is important to have specialised toys which suit their developmental needs.

"There are country people who drive long distances to link with the mobile library on its visits every five or six weeks. In more far-flung parts, toys are mailed to children and many enjoy being members of a computer club.

"The dedication of library staff is well known and the Government is pleased to provide this tangible support to a much-needed service, its volunteer management committee and many supporting organisations."

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 93660200 (Pager 94805591)

Noah's Ark Library Mobile Van Schedule

·      27 October: Brookton, Pingelly, Narrogin, Katanning, Kojonup, Collie.

·      30 October: Collie, Australind, Harvey, Waroona, Coolup, Banjup

·      10 & 11 November: Miling, Moora, New Norcia, Bindoon, Chittering Gardens, Merriwa, Clarkson.

·      12 & 13 November: Mandurah, Bunbury, Gelorup, Busselton, Margaret River, Cowaramup, Nannup, Manjimup, Bridgetown, Donnybrook, Waroona.

·      17 November: Northam, York, Chidlow , Mundaring, Parkerville, Glen Forrest.

·      26 & 27 November: Brookton, Pingelly, Narrogin, Katanning, Kojonup, Collie, Australind, Harvey, Waroona, Coolup, Banjup.