The Tea Tree Gully Toy Library (TTGTL) is set to receive $50,000 as part of a funding commitment from the Malinauskas Labor Government.
Funding for the toy library was included in this month’s state budget and will be provided until the 2025-26 financial year.
The extra funding will allow the TTGTL to establish a click and collect service, that will see the library operate for an extra half day each week, increasing accessibility for busy parents.
TTGTL is a not-for-profit organisation that has been operating since 1979. It traditionally meets its operational costs through a combination of fundraising activities, membership fees, and in-kind support from the City of Tea Tree Gully.
Catering to children from babies to 12 years of age, the library aims to encourage parents to engage in play-based activities while creating a support network for families and young children.
Membership for a family is $35 a year and entitles each child to borrow up to three toys at once, for up to four weeks.
The TTGTL is open three days a week and operates out of the Tea Tree Gully library, on Montague Road at Modbury.
Quotes
Attributable to Blair Boyer
We’re pleased that the promised funding will provide the toy library with certainty and allow an expansion of services, while also keeping a lid on their membership fees at a time when families are struggling with the sudden surge in cost-of-living pressures.
We know that the first 1000 days are crucial to the brain and social development of children which is why it’s important to invest in programs and activities that support this development.
Attributable to Member for Newland, Olivia Savvas
I’m delighted to be able to follow through on the promise that we made in March.
When I was out and about talking to the community in the lead-up to the election, the toy library was something the community feels very strongly about so I’m very excited.
Attributable to Member for King, Rhiannon Pearce
This is a valuable and treasured community service that helps improve the lives of families in the north and north-east.
The new and innovative way of borrowing toys will appeal to families. It’s easy, brings joy to little ones, and helps the hip pocket.
Aattributable to toy library manager Lyn Turner
We are thrilled the government has honoured its election promise – and so quickly.
We will be able to increase accessibility to our toy library by offering a Click and Collect service to complement our in-person borrowing.
Our members have been requesting this style of service delivery and this funding boost has enabled us to finally be able to offer it.
Knowing our funding is secured for a further four years gives us the confidence to maintain our membership fees at $35 per family.
This is essential to ensure they are affordable for families that need us the most.
