Mataranka, Barunga, Robinson River and Urapunga join nine other locations in the Katherine region, including MacFarlane Primary School.

This brings the total number of FaFTs around the Territory to 55, with the NT Government doubling the number of sites in the past four years.

The vast majority of FaFT sites are located in remote communities and help support parents and family members to become their child's first and most important teachers, with more than 2000 children and families using this service.

In addition to supporting families to build their child's early literacy and numeracy through adult-child interaction, the program helps establish good attendance habits from early on, which enables children to be better prepared for day one of school.

So far the Territory Labor Government has spent $5.6 million to expand FaFT to 55 sites around the Territory. 46 are in remote communities and nine are in urban settings.

More than half of all FaFT employees are Aboriginal, which has provided local job opportunities in communities and pathways for Aboriginal Territorians to pursue a career in early childhood services and education.

FaFT funding is part of a $35.6 million Territory Government investment in early childhood development, following the release of its 10 year Starting Early for A Better Future Early Childhood Development Plan in 2017.

Education Minister Lauren Moss said: "Being ready for day one of school is essential. It shapes a child's ability to thrive educationally, to stay healthy and to be socially connected.

"FaFT is an important program not just for our littlest Territorians, but for parents and families, who are a child's first teachers.

"Additionally, with the majority of our FaFT sites located in remote communities, they provide Aboriginal Territorians with training and job opportunities, while ensuring that the program is delivered with cultural sensitivity, and in a way that helps keep local language and culture strong."

Northern Territory FaFT Sites

Big Rivers

Central

Barkly

Top End

East Arnhem

Darwin

*New sites in 2020

**Further sites to come

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