Council reaffirms commitment to early years services

Published on 19 February 2026

West Wimmera Shire Council has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing to operate kindergarten and childcare services across the shire, while exploring opportunities to strengthen long-term sustainability through partnerships.

At a meeting on Wednesday, Council received an update on the current delivery of early years services and the increasingly complex operating environment facing small rural providers.

Council resolved to continue operating kindergarten and childcare services in the short to medium term, while reviewing potential partnership opportunities with not-for-profit early years providers and neighbouring councils.

Mayor Tim Meyer said Council-operated services continued to perform well and met regulatory standards.

“Our kindergarten and childcare services are providing quality programs for local children and families,” he said.

“At the same time, the early years sector is becoming more complex, with workforce shortages, evolving regulatory requirements and increasing compliance obligations.

“It is important that Council plans ahead to ensure services remain strong and sustainable for the long term.”

Council currently operates kindergarten services in Goroke, Edenhope and Kaniva, as well as childcare services at Edenhope.

The update presented to Council acknowledged ongoing sector-wide challenges, including recruitment and retention of qualified staff in a competitive workforce market, limited access to specialist pedagogical leadership, the need to maintain an expanding suite of specialist policies, and responding to strengthened Child Safe requirements.

Council will continue to monitor service sustainability as the roll out of pre-prep progresses across Victoria, with flexibility to consider partnership models where they strengthen workforce support, governance and service delivery.

Exploration of possible options to improve access to childcare in Goroke will remain a focus.

Council will continue to look at funding pathways and partnership opportunities to support childcare in Goroke.

Cr Meyer said advocating for continuity of care for children and families remained one of Council’s highest priority.

“Families value these services deeply, and Council understands the importance of stability and quality,” he said.

“Any future changes would be carefully considered, with the wellbeing of children, families and staff at the centre of decision-making.”

Council will continue engaging with families, parent advisory groups and the broader community as part of ongoing service planning.