General News
19 February, 2023
Govt wants care talks
UNCERTAINTY continues on the location of a Loddon child care centre promised by the State Government. The Government says it is in the planning stage to determine options for the centre in rural Victoria’s only child care desert. While the...
UNCERTAINTY continues on the location of a Loddon child care centre promised by the State Government.
The Government says it is in the planning stage to determine options for the centre in rural Victoria’s only child care desert.
While the Government last week said it would work closely with local government ahead of the 2026 promised opening, Loddon Shire is yet to be contacted.
Council has steered clear of the child care space but advocated for greater support and subsidy for business to establish centres in the shire.
A council spokesperson on Monday said: “We are unsure what role council will play in the State Government selection of a town.
“Council has not had any contact with the State Government at this time and therefore it is too early to speculate on details such as location.”
The Government last June announced it would open child care centres in areas of most need and during the November election campaign said Loddon Shire would be one of 26 centres in the second tranche to open in 2026.
Ripon MP Martha Haylett last week said: “Last year the State Labor Government announced 50 new government-owned and affordable child care centres to be built across Victoria. They will be in locations with the greatest need to make it easier for families to access education and care close to home.
“I’m really excited that Loddon Shire has been announced as a location for a government-owned centre, so that locals can access high-quality and affordable child care and kinder services for their little ones.
“Communities across the shire will be consulted extensively to make sure the new centre meets the needs of local families.”
The Government said: “Planning is underway for the four child care centres announced to open in 2025, including consultation with stakeholders.
“A further 26 locations for our new government-owned and affordable child care centres have also been announced, including the Loddon Shire.
“The department is also in the planning phase to determine options for the 26 announced locations and to identify the remaining 20 locations, and will work closely with local government, service providers and other stakeholders to deliver these new facilities,” the Government said.
A strong community campaign for child care in Loddon has been running across the shire since 2021.
Wedderburn College has cited issues with staff recruitment and retention because of the lack of child care.
Principal Danny Forrest has said the college was ready to have a co-located child care centre under the Government’s new policy.
And parents, including Wedderburn’s Tammi Martin have continued to call for action.
Hundreds of signatures were on a petition for action presented to State Parliament by then Ripon MP Louise Staley in 2022.
The 2026 rollout of child care in Loddon would coincide with the State Government’s introduction of pre-prep classes at shire-managed kindergartens in Dingee, Pyramid Hill, Boort, Inglewood and Wedderburn.