Cleeland calls for Tomorrow Today funding to be confirmed

Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has called on the Minister for Education to immediately confirm long-term funding for Benalla’s Tomorrow Today foundation.

Tomorrow Today is driving transformative change in the region, addressing intergenerational disadvantage, and supporting more than 1500 children and families annually through a series of different programs.

The Department of Education had endorsed funding the foundation for the next three years, following strong community advocacy and campaigning from Ms Cleeland.

“It’s time for the Minister to match the calls of the community, and his own department, and ensure this funding is announced as soon as possible,” Ms Cleeland said.

“Long term funding will help Tomorrow Today increase its impact in the community and continue to deliver positive change for those who need it.

“There is no debate over their credentials and positive impact in the community.

“While the growth thanks to Tomorrow Today has been incredible, Benalla is still very much a work in progress, and I implore the Minister to continue to back this essential service.”

Just recently, Tomorrow Today was commended at the Victorian Early Years Awards for a program that addresses gaps in the pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills of preschool aged children to ensure Benalla’s children are ready to learn when they start school.

Other positive changes in Benalla that can be attributed to the work of Tomorrow Today include:

• Since 2018, Benalla has seen a decrease of 9.9 per cent in the number of children who are considered developmentally vulnerable at school commencement.
• The community achieved 100 per cent completion rates for Year 12 in both 2021 and 2022.
• There has been an increase in the proportion of young people who go on to employment and a decrease of 19 per cent in the proportion of disengaged people aged 15 -24 years.
• There has been a dramatic reduction in levels of child vulnerability in Benalla, and improvements in school preparedness, communication skills, and social competence.