Positive discussions offer hope for Port Augusta families left scrambling after a childcare centre closed with just 48 hours’ notice
There might be some hope on the horizon for Port Augusta families after the sudden closure of their childcare centre last week.
Federal Member for Grey Tom Venning has confirmed discussions are underway with Port Augusta City Council and local community representatives, following the closure of Edge Early Learning on Friday, November 6.
“There have been some positive discussions with Council and local community representatives,” Mr Venning told Greater SA.
“While there are no firm commitments at this stage, all involved recognise the significant impact this has had on the community and are working together to find a way forward.”
The centre closed after a proposed takeover by Goodstart Early Learning fell through, leaving families just 48 hours to find alternative childcare.
Imagine having two days to sort out who’s going to look after your children while you go to work.
It’s a daunting prospect, particularly in a region already struggling with childcare shortages.
Regional Families Deserve Better
According to Mr Venning, Grey has the worst childcare access of any federal electorate in Australia, with just one childcare place for every three children.
His own childcare survey gained more than 200 responses from families reporting lengthy waiting lists, significant travel distances and additional costs.
“Families are telling me that they are joining waiting lists before their babies are even born, travelling significant distances to access care and wearing additional fuel costs simply to get their children into childcare,” he said.
The closure follows the recent loss of the outside-school-hours care service at Stirling North, adding further pressure on local families.
Mr Venning has praised Port Augusta City Council for working to increase capacity at its own childcare centre, while discussions continue about a possible solution for the former Edge facility.
How Do We Keep Young Families In Regional SA?
This situation comes at the same time as families in Crystal Brook and Jamestown continue to raise concerns about changes to maternity services, with a six-month trial rotating birthing services between the two hospitals.
While these issues are vastly different, both raise the question about access to essential services in regional communities.
How are we supposed to attract and keep young families in regional South Australia when childcare and maternity services are becoming harder to access?
“Regional families deserve better. Parents should not have to choose between having a family, having a career, and being able to afford to live,” Mr Venning said.
For Port Augusta families, the latest discussions are encouraging, although no agreement has been reached.
Hopefully, there’s some better news around the corner.
We’ll be keeping an eye on this one.
