Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said that this is a great opportunity for local educators to receive up to $10,000 in funding to help with the costs of upgrading their qualification to a four-year Bachelor’s degree.

“I would like to congratulate Emily Robertson of Gerringong Preschool Education Centre and Elyssa Herdson of Echidna Early Learning Centre,” he said.

“These scholarships are specifically for early childhood educators working in regional, rural and remote areas, outside of the big cities.”

The Rural and Remote Early Childhood Teaching Scholarships are part of the state government's $80 million Rural and Remote Education Blueprint for Action.

The next round of scholarships will be open in April 2017 for the 2018 academic year.

For more information on the scholarships and how to apply, visit www.dec.nsw.gov.au/what-we-offer/regulation-and-accreditation/early-childhood-education-care/scholarships/rural-and-remote-scholarships