Despite huge demand for care a northern Vic service has been vacant for nearly 2 years

The Charlton Early Years Centre was built in 2021, with the promise of offering families in Victoria’s Wimmera region better access to early childhood education and care (ECEC). 

Despite a huge demand for care, the service sits empty 18 months on because no provider has been found to run it. A kindergarten room in the service is operational, but is only able to offer part time hours – something which is proving a barrier for eligible families in the community. 

One local parent Jess McGurk spoke with The Age about the challenge this presents to her family. As a school teacher, she’s willing and able to provide a vital service for the community, but cannot go back to work because there’s no care available for her children. 

“I can’t see myself back at work for the next four years,” she said, telling the paper that the topic of ECEC is a “constant conversation” amongst parents in the community. 

When the service opened, many were optimistic about the possibility of returning to work, however these hopes have been dashed by the ongoing failure to secure a provider. 

“We have such low expectations now,” she said. “We don’t expect anything to change anytime soon.”

The Buloke Shire Council said it is negotiating with two providers, while at a Federal level the Government has committed to increasing subsidies for families.

To access the original coverage of this story, please see here.