Warawyn Early Learning Centre promised $1.3m upgrade if ALP wins Federal election

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) has pledged to fund upgrades to early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and playgroups across Tasmania’s Braddon electorate should it secure power at the next Federal election, which must be held on or before 21 May 2022.

The announcement was made during a visit to Wynyard last week, with Labor Senator and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education Amanda Rishworth saying her party would commit $1.3 million to upgrade the Warawyn Early Learning Centre.

Waratah-Wynyard Mayor Robby Walsh welcomed Ms Rishworth’s commitment, saying the service, which is at capacity and with a large waiting list was “overdue for an increase and upgrade,” a sentiment which Ms Rishworth echoed, noting the current facilities don’t meet the needs of the community. 

General Manager for Waratah-Wynyard Council, Shane Crawford, said the council was still considering whether to upgrade the current site or build a new facility.

“We are anticipating the renovation of this particular building will be in the vicinity of about $3 million,” he said.

“We are also exploring, as part of this process, whether or not this is indeed the best outcome and looking at other options like a greenfield site, but what we certainly know is we need more space,” he said.

During the visit the ALP promised $50,000 for the Queenstown Child Care Service, $5,000 for the Burnie Community House, and $3,240 for the Zeehan Playgroup.

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