A community-led early childhood education and care service has opened in Kowanyama, expanding access for children in the remote Cape York community.
The One Tree Kowanyama Children's Service is operated by One Tree Community Services on behalf of Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council, and will provide early learning and care for up to 30 local children.
The service forms part of an early childhood hub located on the grounds of Kowanyama State School, offering long-day care, kindergarten, playgroup and health checks.
One Tree Community Services said the service opened last week and acknowledged the work behind its establishment.
"We are thrilled to announce the One Tree Kowanyama Children's Service opened last week in far north Queensland," a spokesperson said.
"We have been working in partnership with the local community and Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council. Our continued collaboration will ensure the service is shaped to the unique needs of this remote community.
"We would like to acknowledge our passionate and dedicated team whose hard work has brought this service to life."
It's opening follows more than two years of planning led by Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council in partnership with One Tree Community Services, with support from the Australian Government Department of Education, the Queensland Government and the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) - National Voice for our Children.
The service is funded through the Australian Government's Community Child Care Fund Restricted Program, part of a nearly $30 million expansion to support new services, primarily delivered by First Nations-led organisations.
SNAICC is the community partner for the sites, supporting their establishment and the delivery of culturally safe early childhood education and care.
Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Jess Walsh, said the opening marked an important milestone for the community.
"The One Tree Kowanyama Children's Service is a great achievement for the whole community and I congratulate Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council for its leadership," Minister Walsh said.
"Early education gives children a great start in life, and First Nations children deserve access to quality and culturally safe early education and the transformative benefits it offers.
"It's a place where children can learn and grow strong in their connection to culture."
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the service responded to local priorities.
"Remote communities deserve to have access to the services they need close to home," Mr Smith said.
"When I visited Kowanyama last year, Territa the Mayor identified to me that education was an area she was particularly keen for the Government to address.
"I'm glad that with the One Tree Kowanyama Children's Service, we have been able to provide the educational support that the Kowanyama community needs."
