Tomorrow Today aims to support projects in Benalla, drive transformative change in the region and address intergenerational disadvantage.
Tomorrow Today was commended at the Victorian Early Years Awards in 2023 for a program that addresses gaps in preschool-aged children’s pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills to ensure Benalla’s children are ready to learn when they start school.
The Department of Education had endorsed funding the foundation for the next three years, following strong community advocacy and campaigning from state Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland.
Ms Cleeland said although the endorsement had been made, there had yet to be a formal commitment to the foundation’s recurrent funding, and she had called on Education Minister Ben Carroll to confirm the recurrent funding for Benalla’s Tomorrow Today Foundation.
“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.
“While we know that overspending in Melbourne continues to eat into the budget available for our crucial regional services, it is essential that organisations like Tomorrow Today receive the crucial funding they need.
“Long-term funding will help Tomorrow Today increase its impact in the community and continue to deliver positive change for those who need it.
“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.”