Kirstin Nicholson, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
Parents in Cohuna are finding it difficult to access childcare – a problem that is not new and will not disappear any time soon.
Gannawarra Shire Council (GSC) family day care is the only option in town, but the number of providers has been gradually declining, forcing more parents to travel to neighbouring towns to access childcare, juggle childcare between numerous family members, and delay or give up their working life altogether.
Recently, another GSC family day carer ceased operating, and parents are again calling for the GSC to act on the issue of lack of childcare.
Gannawarra Shire Council’s Director Community Wellbeing, Stacy Williams, said, “It is important to note that Family Day Care Educators are effectively contractors of Council and operate their own independent businesses and, as such, make independent decisions to cease operating. Council continues to advertise for new Family Day Care Educators and would support anyone interested in becoming a Family Care Educator in the municipality.”
In a recent letter to the editor (The Bridge, June 16), Cohuna’s Emily Marsh said, “Women in all professions are facing hurdle after hurdle to get back into the workforce after having children, unable to return to careers and the ability to help support the ever increasing cost of living and financial demands for our families.”
Emily outlined her predicament after the day care provider she used stopped operating. “Because I had a spot for my child in family day care, my name was taken off all wait lists. Now that we no longer have family day care, we are back to the bottom of the list, so I will no longer be able to fulfil my current employment arrangements.”
She is not alone, and it is not only families that are affected. The lack of childcare also impacts local businesses which find it difficult to attract families to the area, or whose staff leave the area for towns which do provide childcare services.
The Cohuna and District Progress Association, in conjunction with community members, attempted to initiate a long day care centre in town last year, however, this has not progressed for a number of reasons.
Ms Williams also said, “Council was successful in receiving State Government funding to undertake an early years planning project in Cohuna. Council has been working with the Department of Education and key Cohuna community members to set the agenda for this project.
“Council has appointed an Education and Care facilitator to support this project and we will commence exploring future early years care and education options in Cohuna and district in the coming months. The project will explore both childcare and kindergarten service delivery models, assess viability and workforce and infrastructure requirements.”
Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster issued a statement regarding the childcare needs of regional Victorians. See this statement on page 15 of the issue.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 30 June 2022.
