Barham is in the midst of a childcare shortage crisis, with a wait list of 90 at the Barham Early Learning Service alone, with 75 per cent aged in the 0-3 years old bracket.

It is estimated that 45 per cent of the children in Barham, Koondrook, Moulamein and Wakool have been unable to be placed in a childcare facility.

River Region Early Education (RREE), the operator of the Barham Early Learning Service, has been working alongside Murray River Council to find solutions to this growing problem in the region.

The group is proposing the construction of a 55 place childcare centre to operate, in addition to the current facility. The childcare group has experience in operating quality early childhood services, and their ‘grow your own’ workforce strategy and project plan mean it can be staffed.

Murray River Council Mayor, John Harvie, said that the shortage of childcare places in Barham and surrounding areas is a critical issue for our community, with far-reaching impacts on families, businesses, and our region’s overall growth.

“Murray River Council has been working closely with RREE to support them in their proposal to build a new 55-place childcare centre, which would provide a much-needed boost to local capacity,” Cr Harvie said.

“This initiative is not just about childcare—it’s about supporting economic prosperity, addressing workforce shortages, and giving our children the best start in life.”

Felicity Michael, General Manager of RREE says that the shortages also have an impact on the provision of services, as the lack of childcare places restricts the ability to recruit professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers to the town.

“It also affects the development of children, as the Australian Early Development Census shows that 23 per cent of children in the Murray River Council Area are vulnerable in one of the areas of physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills,” Ms Michael said.

“Research shows that children who experience quality early childhood education improve their lifelong learning outcomes.

“This would also have huge economic benefits to the Barham community.

“Although we don’t have a specific location as yet, we have all our concept plans and costings.

“Murray River Council is very supportive of the proposal, and we are working with them to identify a suitable piece of land that can be used.”

The Lowry family is just one of the many families impacted by the shortage of childcare placement with many being on the wait list since January 2024.

Shannyn and husband Daine, who are originally from the area, moved back to Barham from Echuca with their three children to enable them to grow up in a small rural community as they did.

“We went away and got our trades, built our skills up, had our kids and have decided to bring them back,” Ms Lowry said.

“Since moving back, we have realised how many young families have gone away and come back to give the kids a chance to grow up in this type of community.

“It is hard, because you know how skilled a lot of those people are out in the community and many of those can’t bring those skills to the community and put their services out there because everyone is in the same boat, everyone is really struggling to get childcare.

“I think it is really sad because our town is growing, there are a lot of parents out there trying to get back to work.”

Daine is an electrician, and Shannyn is a hairdresser, both operating their own businesses, however, Shannyn cannot get her business operating until she can find care for her two year old, Banks and additional days for four year old Levi.

“It has been difficult for the kids as well. In Echuca they were in childcare and really enjoyed it and now the younger ones are back at home not getting the social aspect of childcare,” Ms Lowry added.

“I think it is really healthy for kids to be away from their parents sometimes.

“Getting them prepared for school is also an issue, not having that early childhood education.”

Ms Michael added that RREE are planning to apply for grant funding for the capital costs of constructing a new centre and they need the help of the community.

“We need letters of support from employers, businesses, community groups and community members,” she said.

“Letters of support can be sent by email to generalmanager@rree.nsw.edu.au.”

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 13 February 2025.