A brand new van and upgraded facilities will assist educators of Inverell District Family Services’ (IDFS) Northern Roads Activity Vans (NRAV).

The integral service was successful in securing a $60,591 grant allowing them to replace the older of the two activity vans with a new model.

Currently operating as an outreach preschool and activity service to smaller communities of Gum Flat, Bukkulla, Wallangra, Delungra and Gilgai, NRAV has been operational for over 40 years.

The new van will enable IDFS to replace the existing NRAV 1 which is over 10 years old and has racked more than 180,000 kilometres.

While, Delungra’s NRAV 2 centre will see the benefits of new shade structures replacing the existing structure at the Country Women’s Association Hall.

The Gilgai and Delungra centres will benefit from a water and sand table that will complement their education in water play.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said The Northern Roads Activity Vans have been operating since 1978.

“This funding is wonderful support for the fantastic work that the Northern Roads Activity Vans and educators do in some of our smaller communities,” Mr Marshall said in a statement.

“It’s a great step forward to ensuring that children in Gum Flat, Bukkulla, Wallangra, Delungra and Gilgai get the best possible opportunities in their formative years.

“NRAV 1 will now run a Weekly Monday Yoga Program teaching children to self-regulate and teach the benefits of yoga to under 5s. This will be taught by Meg Perceval from Bamboo Yoga.”

“These funding grants will aid give the best start to our young kids in our hard to access communities,” Mr Marshall said.

“The work that Inverell District Family Services does is vitally important to making sure that children aren’t missing out on opportunities because of where they grow up.”