These impacts can be significantly reduced with early intervention such as speech therapy.

Greta Community Preschool has once again been able to offer a subsidised speech therapy program, thanks to a $6000 donation from Greta Workers Sport and Recreation Club.

The preschool has run the program for several years thanks to funding from the club.

The latest round of funding allowed the preschool to offer free screening for any child whose parents expressed concerns about their speech.

Subsequently, speech pathologist Kate Weale from Speak Easy Speech Pathologists visits the preschool every Thursday to conduct on-site sessions with the children she identified as most in need of intensive speech therapy.

Ms Weale said having speech therapy in preschool is “a great fit”.

“It allows children to work on their speech and language skills in a play based environment before they enter a more structured environment at school,” she said. 

Greta Community Preschool educational leader Teresa Mexon said the program provides huge long-term benefits to the children, and that having the program available on-site provides “a sense of normality” for the children.

““Our children know that they are just one of many to participate. It is seen as just another fun part of the normal preschool day,” she said.

Ms Mexon said parents have also welcomed the program.

“Due to the funding, each therapy session is highly subsidised making the program very affordable for our families,” Ms Mexon said.

“Having (it) onsite makes it easier for our parents with no travel to worry about.”

Greta Workers Club CEO Phil Johnston said the club was proud to support the preschool.

“We think it’s important that children with speech impediments can be helped,” he said.

The funding was provided through ClubsNSW’s Club Grants program, which supports a range of community projects and social services across the state.

Club Grants funding is made available by clubs that earn over $1 million annually in gaming machine revenue. About 500 clubs voluntarily allocate funds to the scheme.

In the Cessnock area in 2016, Club Grants allocated $138,643 for 32 projects (with amounts between $1000 and $16,000).

A committee of representatives from participating club works with Cessnock City Council to administer the grants.

For more information, visit clubsnsw.com.au.