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Bass Coast community rescues childcare facility

The local community of Bass Coast in Victoria has inspired a special partnership between the Commonwealth Government and its local Council to save the long day childcare centre in Wonthaggi.

The Commonwealth Government and the Bass Coast Shire Council joined forces to purchase a failing, privately run childcare centre in Wonthaggi.

Bass Coast Mayor Noel Maud welcomed the Commonwealth Government's willingness to provide half of the funding for the purchase of the centre, saying that it was not possible without their involvement.

"We believe this is a very significant development in which the Government has recognised and supported the needs of Wonthaggi's young families," he said.

"The Government has worked in partnership with the Bass Coast Shire to get the best outcome for the local community."

When news was received that the childcare centre would close its doors earlier this year, a local committee formed to deal with an impending crisis caused by a lack of childcare facilities in the area.

A working party was established and Council engaged consultants to explore child care options.

Councillor Maud said the centre owners agreed to a reasonable sale price. This enabled Council to purchase the premises and provide the community elected committee with a viable business proposition.

The rental paid by the community committee over the long term will fully reimburse Council for the cost of the loan repayments. This means that the centre will pay its own way and not call on ratepayer funds.

"This is an extremely good outcome as it provides the community with continuity of high quality childcare, without Council having to provide long term financial support," Councillor Maud said.

The new facility, now known as Bass Coast Children's Centre, has expanded its service to include preschool, holiday programs and playgroup.

Councillor Maud said that what could have been a disastrous event for the local community was turned into a positive outcome through the community, Local Government and the Commonwealth Government all working together.

"The centre is now functioning extremely well with a very committed group of local community members at the helm," he said.

For further information contact Council's Communications Manager, John Wynen, on (03) 5671 2214.

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