If all goes according to plan, Naracoorte will have a new early learning and childcare centre by mid-to-late 2025.

Work on the $2million facility located at the unused former TAFE building is set to commence this September.

The project will be led by Jrod Pty Ltd, which is owned and operated by a local business in the Naracoorte region and the developer has received a $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Enabling Infrastructure program.

The much-needed facility will support local families by creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for 60 children in Naracoorte.

It aims to provide a new accessible and reliable childcare option, addressing a significant shortfall in the region.

Jarryd Dawson of Jrod Pty Ltd said the significant investment from the government will directly benefit the community by addressing the pressing need for accessible childcare services.

“By providing a new childcare centre, we’re not only supporting working families by enabling parents to maintain employment, but we’re also enhancing community well-being,” he said.

Mr Dawson said the centre will serve as a supportive network for parents, offering a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

“It will lay the foundation for children’s future success through early childhood education, ensuring they have the skills and resources they need to thrive academically and socially.”

The construction and operation of the refurbished childcare centre will lead to increased job opportunities for residents, with the construction phase set to create a demand for skilled labour, contractors, and suppliers from the area.

Once the centre is operational, it will also require staff, including educators, administrators, and support personnel, providing employment opportunities for qualified individuals within the region.

During a tour of the site last Friday, Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven said the government sees the strong need to ensure regional communities are places that attract and retain families and workers to live.

“Transforming a vacant building into a childcare centre in Naracoorte will have a meaningful impact on opportunities for young and growing families in the region as children prepare for more formal education,” Ms Scriven said.

She said accessible childcare is crucial for many families and supports parents’ ability to be in the paid workforce.

Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said Naracoorte faced a critical shortage in childcare placements.

“We only have two centres, and they both have long waitlists,” Mr McBride said.

He said this impacted the ability for people to commit to employment, which had a flow-on effect for businesses and families.

“The availability of childcare has become a factor in the decision-making process for families moving to regional SA.”

He hoped the new centre would encourage more people to look at Naracoorte as a place to move and settle.

“The centre will also create more jobs for those wishing to start a career as early childhood educators.”

This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.