An uphill battle for Cohuna as families struggle to work without care

The community of Cohuna, in northern Victoria, has been working hard to secure early childhood education and care (ECEC) facilities for the past eight years in an effort to see the town grow. 

 

Many professionals shy away from relocating to the town based on the challenges they face in securing ECEC for their families, and with businesses being reluctant to invest long term in the community without adequate support for their workers. 

 

Ahead of the upcoming Victorian election, to be held Saturday 26 November, the Liberal and Nationals Government have pledged to provide the $800,000 the town’s progress association and Gannawarra Shire has sought from the Victorian Government to get an ECEC service built and open.

 

“Cohuna should be a thriving, and growing, regional hub. The town is looking to have a childcare service that could fill at least 80 places through day care, long day care and a kindergarten,” said Nationals Leader and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh.

 

Multiple fundraisers for the service have been held, including a dinner which featured celebrity chef Manu Feildel, TV personality Kerri-Anne Kennerley and radio commentator Alan Jones, raising $27,000 for a consultant to keep the project moving forward. 

 

Read local coverage of this story here.