JUMPING castles, clowns and face painting are fun but Cairns childcare workers hope a family day tomorrow will also highlight a serious issue of money.

Part of a national initiative from the union for childcare educators United Voice, the inaugural Big Steps Family Day tomorrow  will promote awareness around childcare industry wages.

Cairns Central Childcare Centre educator Kimberley Murphy, who has worked in the industry for 10 years, said ensuring childcare educators are paid a professional wage is vital.

"We're being asked by the Federal Government to make sure we're qualified and have up-to-date certificates but our wages do not reflect the money we put out for that training to ensure quality educational programs and activities for the children,'' she said.

Ms Murphy said community support at the free family fun day will show the Government communities are behind childcare educators.

"It has been scientifically proven that the most crucial time for a child's development and learning is zero to five years and the people entrusted to do this are being paid minimum wage,'' she said.

"We don't want parents to pay, we want it to come from the Government, parents already pay way too much for childcare.''
Everyone attending the Big Steps Family Fun is encouraged to wear red.

The event will be held tomorrow  at Centenary Lakes off Greenslopes St at Edge Hill from 10am-1pm, with a free barbecue.

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