Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Tuesday, 3 January, 2017. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Volunteers wanted for Greater Shepparton Best Start program

We are keen to build a team of volunteers who would be happy to donate one hour of their time each month to visit a kinder to read some stories to a child or small group of children.

Reading and sharing stories is such an enjoyable and fun activity. Children love listening to stories and talking about the pictures. While many families do this on a regular basis with our own children or grandchildren, some children do not get to experience this in their home environment for a number of reasons.

If you work part time or casual this could be a great way to give back to the community.

All volunteer readers will be required to attend a short information / training session prior to starting and obtain a volunteer Working with Children Check. Books will be supplied at the various kindergartens.

One hour per month is not a lot of time to give, but it can make a huge difference to a child’s life.

For more information or to register your interest please contact the Best Start Coordinator on 03 5832 9790 or Belinda.Whitelaw@shepparton.vic.gov.au.

About Best Start

Best Start is a Victorian Government initiative which aims to improve the health and development of children from 0-8 years. The program involves partnerships with local government and other key groups within the community.

Greater Shepparton City Council has been an active participant in the Best Start program since 2002, when it was first selected as a demonstrator for the pilot program. The success of that program has led to Council's continued involvement, sharing learnings with other new sites and building on what has been achieved to improve the health, development, learning and wellbeing of all children from before birth through to early school age.

See the Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Plan