Childcare centre boosts service with solar

FEBRUARY 20, 2017: A Mackay childcare centre expects to halve its energy costs thanks to a boost from the Stronger Communities Programme.I congratulated C&K Mackay Children and Family Centre's family support officer Lionel Hardiman, back, and director Tineke Philip on a successful grant of $14,877 for a newly-installed energy-saving solar panel system.Dollars saved on energy bills means more funds can be allocated to resources for children, as well as for playgroup, homework club and other programmes at the Centre's Hub. There are 80 enrolled students as well as the many other community members who utilise the C&K Mackay Children and Family Centre’s family and health services at Andergrove.The solar panels were installed at the Long Day Care Centre building in early December last year.  Ergon Energy connected the panels to mains power on Wednesday, January 11.A total of close to $300,000 has been distributed to a whole range of different groups in the Dawson electorate over the past two years, and the programme has provided assistance for everything from playground equipment through to first-aid equipment for surf lifesavers and the solar panels we see here today.