Investigations to expand childcare options to go to next step

Published on 16 September 2021

West Wimmera Shire Council set aside funds in this year’s budget to undertake investigations into the early childhood education and care needs of the Shire. Following consideration of an initial report provided by Rachel Robinson from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Council has now agreed to move to the next step. Investigation will include a detailed study to examine the feasibility of establishing a pilot education and care program to support families and children in Edenhope.
 
‘In commissioning the initial study, Council was keen to ensure that the exercise looked at whole of shire needs and to place childcare in the context of broader child and family service requirements’, said Council’s CEO David Bezuidenhout. ‘The Council was also aware of relevant studies undertaken through the Wimmera Development Association’s By Five Project’. By Five draws on the knowledge of a broad range of professionals in early childhood education, care and health sectors and expertise of the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s.
Council’s motivation to undertake the initial study has also been influenced by the work of Dr Catherine Tischler et al from Federation University. Their work confirmed the importance of provision of childcare in ensuring the broader economic and social wellbeing of rural communities like West Wimmera.
Ms Robinson’s study has highlighted the established links between provision of childcare and much broader economic and social issues. Specifically that the lack of childcare provision in Edenhope for instance has significantly contributed to workforce shortages in key community services including health and education according to senior staff at the hospital, schools and Council. ‘Council was delighted when Ms Robinson agreed to undertake the initial study’ Mr Bezuidenhout said.
 
Ms Robinson said that her study had consulted widely across the whole shire. ‘Parents of prospective service users, schools, health care services, council staff and the broader community have been very generous in providing their time, relating their personal experiences and needs and also offering advice about potential facilities, service models and preferences.’
Ms Robinson’s study confirmed that there was a need for additional childcare services across the Shire. Edenhope has the most pressing need given there is currently only one family day care worker there. Kaniva also has a waiting list for care at its long day care centre run by Uniting Vic/Tas. The study also examined the range of service model options and associated funding, regulatory and workforce issues.
As a result of this initial study, Councillors agreed at its September Forum to proceed to undertake a more detailed study to confirm the feasibility of establishing a long day care program, co-located with the Kindergarten in Edenhope. Council will also begin to explore options with respect to the most suitable service provider and for extending and ensuring long term sustainability of daycare across the shire. Provision of out of school hours programs will also be investigated.
 
‘We have a long way to go, but we will act as quickly as possible to find ways to ensure the adequate provision of childcare services throughout this shire’ said Mr Bezuidenhout.