11/2/04
Western Australian parents of an estimated 2,500 new babies will receive a free book and literacy toolkit as part of the State Government's family literacy initiative announced today.
Culture and Arts Minister Sheila McHale said that stage one of the five-year Better Beginnings program started this month with six public libraries working hand-in-hand with 15 community health centres across the State to promote literacy.
Parents of new babies in the Midland, Mandurah, Gosnells, Carnarvon, Kalgoorlie and Halls Creek areas will receive the useful material on literacy dubbed a 'literacy toolkit' at their baby's six-week health check.
Ms McHale said that 95 per cent of parents of new babies attended community health centres or received home visits at the six-week mark and that extra toolkits would be available at local libraries.
"Childhood literacy is at the forefront of public debate at the moment, thanks to the Federal Labor Party's $80million plan to expand on Western Australia's Better Beginnings literacy program," the Minister said.
Ms McHale said Better Beginnings was part of the Gallop Government's range of Early Years initiatives and targeted adults with children from birth to age three, encouraging them to share stories, visit libraries and provide a crucial early base for lifelong literacy.
In addition to literacy toolkits including a free book - funded in stage one areas by local government - parents will be contacted by local libraries to take part in story-time sessions and workshops.
"Through their community health nurses, parents will be asked to pass on their contact details to local libraries who will invite them to a range of activities to promote shared reading, family literacy and its benefits," Ms McHale said.
"Some libraries will also have 'outreach toolboxes' of material that can be borrowed by day care centres, playgroups and other interested community groups. Altogether, an estimated 10,000 children in these areas are expected to participate."
The Minister said that Mandurah, Midland and Kalgoorlie libraries had also established Family Reading Centres which were a positive tool in promoting early childhood development.
The State Library of WA, with support from a range of State Government agencies and local government are responsible for the program.
The six libraries involved in stage one are Midland, Mandurah, Gosnells, Carnarvon, Kalgoorlie and Halls Creek.
In Midland six community health centres are involved: Guildford Child Health Centre, Koongamia Child Health Centre, Lockridge Child Health Centre, Midvale Child Health Centre, Stratton Child Health Centre and Swan View Child Health Centre.
In Mandurah all four community health centres will be involved. The centres are: Terrace Child Health Centre, Peel Health Campus Child Health Centre, Falcon Family Centre and Coodanup Family House.
In Gosnells, the Maddington and Huntingdale child health centres are participating.
While in the country, Kalgoorlie, Carnarvon and Halls Creek community health centres will take part.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
