What this funding means for the organisation is that it is financially viable for at least the next two years and its volunteers can focus on delivering its programs — rather than worrying about how they will fund them.
Tomorrow Today's executive officer Rosie Koop said everyone at the foundation was thrilled with the announcement.
“(State Member for Northern Victoria) Jaclyn Symes visited Tomorrow Today this morning, celebrating the news with staff and the local families and children gathered at PEEP — our Parents Early Education Partnership,” Ms Koop said.
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“The Victorian Government recognises the value of the work we do in Benalla and has today come on board as a major partner.
“We are so grateful for this funding. It will allow us to focus on what we do best — bringing the community together to address community challenges.
“We would like to thank ... Jaclyn Symes for her support and advocacy, along with our local member Steph Ryan.
“A very big thank you also to the Ovens Murray Regional Partnership and our many local partners, in particular Benalla Rural City Council, local businesses, organisations, clubs and service groups, volunteers and donors.
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“The funding we’ve received today will help us achieve what we set out to do — create a bright future for our great town.”
Ms Symes surprised Tomorrow Today with the news and said it was fantastic to be back in Benalla.
“I'm a big supporter of the Tomorrow Today Foundation,” she said.
“They just help so many people in town (including) vulnerable families, in particular looking after our littlest people and providing pathways for our teenagers.
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“So it's fantastic to announce just over $1 million to ensure their sustainability ... so they can continue to do what they do, and that is support this wonderful community of Benalla.”
State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan said Tomorrow Today deserved all the support it could get.
“The team at Tomorrow Today deserves so much credit for the amazing work they are doing,” Ms Ryan said.
“I have been pleased to support their efforts by putting their case for additional funding to government.
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“Last month I met with the state Treasurer to highlight how important their programs are in Benalla.”
Ms Koop said the funding was timely, with Tomorrow Today’s Education Benalla Program celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“Since the outset of the program, the proportion of children who are now developmentally on track when starting school has greatly increased and the transition to work or study post-school has improved,” she said.
“It’s been a whole of community effort. We still have much to do but we’re determined and we’re passionate and we have a plan
For more information on the work Tomorrow Today does in the community visit this link.
If you would like to send a letter to the editor on this, or any subject, click this link
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