Childcare solutions collaboration

As a result, permission has been granted for its Family Day Care educators to take on a few extra children.

Other measures are being explored as council continues its strong advocacy to address the acute shortage of childcare places in Deniliquin and the wider Edward River region.

The families of 29 children were sent into a tail spin when the Deniliquin Early Learning Centre closed on July 24, following a visit from the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority the previous day.

It placed further pressure on an already stretched early children education system, with 69 per cent of local children already unable to access care before the closure.

The exact reasons for the closure have never been revealed, but in late July an authority spokesperson said the centre operating would “work with us to address concerns relating to children’s health and safety”.

At that time, it was suggested an August 22 re-opening might be possible.

When asked for an update late last week, the authority is now unable to provide specific information on when the centre may re-open.

“The Regulatory Authority has been in regular contact with Deniliquin Early Learning Centre since an assessment and rating visit in July identified areas of non-compliance,” a spokesperson said.

“The regulator is working with the service to address these issues, and the approved provider has voluntarily closed while this investigation continues.

“We understand service closures can be disruptive for families, but children’s safety always comes first.”

Mayor Ashley Hall said the childcare challenge is one of the most pressing issues facing the community.

“This is a devastating blow for local families, with so many already struggling to secure childcare,” he said.

“The impact on working parents, children’s early development, and our local economy is significant.

“Council is treating this as a top priority and is advocating strongly for immediate and longer-term support from both state and federal governments.”

Council’s actions since the centre’s closure has centred on working with industry and government partners to secure urgent solutions, investigating investment opportunities to expand childcare infrastructure, and supporting existing providers to grow their capacity.

A key part of this work has been in partnership with Intereach, with positive progress being made.

Intereach CEO Yvette Buhagiar said the collaboration with council is already helping increase places in the short term.

“Together, we’ve achieved an important milestone in gaining rural and remote classification for Deniliquin, which opens doors for greater support and resourcing to expand Family Day Care,” he said.

“In the immediate term, our educators have been able to extend services to four more families - places that were filled straight away with those most in need, which is a positive step forward while we work on longer-term solutions.”

Both council and Intereach stressed that this is only the beginning of a broader effort to secure sustainable childcare services for the community.

“We know families need solutions now, but we must also ensure this sector is supported into the future,” Cr Hall said.

“We’ll continue to push for the investment and partnerships needed, so every child in our region has access to safe, reliable, and high-quality early learning opportunities.”

Mrs Buhagiar said Intereach was proud to be part of the short-term solutions now in place, but its focus was firmly on the bigger picture.

“Every child in Deniliquin and the Edward River region deserves access to quality early learning, and we’ll keep working with council and other partners to make that a reality,” she said.

The Regulatory Authority said affected families can contact its information and enquiries team on 1800 619 113 or ececd@det.nsw.edu.au with any questions, or for information about finding alternative education and care.