That was the message Mayor Ashley Hall impressed on NSW parliamentarians attending the Deni Ute Muster last week, as the childcare crisis in Deniliquin worsens.
With the permanent closure of the Deniliquin Early Learning Centre, what was a temporary squeeze on an already stressed service has tightened.
Vowing to make childcare one of the key priority areas of advocacy, Edward River Council is taking every opportunity to garner support to ease the situation.
And Cr Hall has since taken it right to the top, at the Business NSW’s In Conversation with the Premier event in Albury on Tuesday.
Deniliquin has gone from having three early childcare centres to just two, following the closure of Deniliquin ELC.
The impact has been immediate and severe, with 300 children now on waitlists for the remaining providers.
And Deniliquin’s two preschool facilities are also under significant pressure, with long waiting lists.
River Region Early Education general manager Felicity Michael, speaking to WIN News last week, underscored the importance of early learning in child development.
“Early learning is where any developmental issues are identified, and early intervention can take place, so children are given the opportunity to catch up before they start school,” she said.
“We need capital funding. We don’t have those reserves because we aren’t in it to make money.”
Recognising the urgency, Edward River Council has moved swiftly to lay the groundwork for new childcare infrastructure.
Cr Hall confirmed that land has already been identified, and that council is partnering with River Region Early Education to bring new facilities to fruition.
“There’s 300 on the waitlist for only two other providers, so there’s no other option (for families) but to leave and go to bigger centres,” Cr Hall said.
“The private investment’s just not there, so we need government support.”
The council is now calling on both state and federal governments to step in with capital funding and policy support to help bridge the gap.
At the Albury event, Cr Hall spoke directly with NSW Premier Chris Minns about the crisis.
He said the Premier expressed strong support for the council’s efforts, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by rural communities.
“The lack of childcare facilities and available places in Deniliquin is placing significant pressure on local families and our workforce,” Cr Hall said.
“It was encouraging to talk with the Premier about rural concerns and to hear him express strong support for council’s efforts to address this priority issue.”
The event provided a valuable platform for regional leaders to exchange ideas and advocate for local priorities, on childcare and other matters.
Cr Hall described the visit as “highly worthwhile,” noting the importance of building relationships with key decision-makers.
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