Aussie Kindies North Ipswich bounces back after extreme flooding with new name

Aussie Kindies North Ipswich has had a rebirth for 2023, re-opening after the centre temporarily closed its doors on 28 February 2022 after being severely impacted by an extreme weather event and undergoing extensive damage as a direct result of flooding. 

The Southeast Queensland floods were a devastating time for the businesses, families and the community of Ipswich. The region was impacted by heavy rainfall from the 22nd of February and the impact from the weather event was extensive, with the waters only being declared receding on 5 April 2022. 

Early childhood teacher (ECT) and senior leadership team member Sheree Reilly said “the centre was my home.” 

“I completed my placement there. I watched my daughter graduate from kindy. Met some of my closest friends. Built a family. Nurtured babies into toddlers…” 

Over 887 millimeters of rain fell in February alone, more than double the monthly high in 2020, with more than 30 suburbs impacted with a minimum of one meter of rain. Over 890 properties were impacted by the floods in Ipswich alone, with 214 classified as having severe damage. 

To celebrate the new beginning the service has been re-branded as Milestones Early Learning North Ipswich. In addition to the rebrand, the centre received upgrades including the playground areas, internal facilities and learning resource upgrades to further improve centre environments. 

In early November, the teachers and educators of the centre had the opportunity to participate in a team day and tour of the centre currently still in construction. It was an emotional experience, for many seeing the centre internally for the first time since the closure.

“To look back on what it was following the floods, and now to see everything from new learning spaces to a massive playground upgrade, was such a big moment for the team and a big step towards welcoming our families back for fun and learning,” Gabby Heit, Area Manager at Affinity Education Group said.

Based on the extent of the damage and the time frames in which to repair, approved provider Affinity Education Group supported its families and team through the accommodation of children and educators at its sister centre, Milestones Early Learning Augustine Heights until the centre could be reopened.