Gilgandra Shire Council hosts forum to discuss impact of ECEC shortage

Gilgandra Shire Council recently hosted an early childhood education and care (ECEC) forum, bringing together local government with representatives from New South Wales Health, local schools, the ambulance service and the Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) to discuss the limited availability of ECEC in the community, and the impact this has on local employment outcomes. 

The shortage of available ECEC options in the community has had “a significant impact” on the ability of local families to return to the workforce, and is having a flow on effect when it comes to local businesses and services being able to attract and retain staff. 

“Council participated in a round table discussion to gain a better understanding of the work the DRNSW is doing across the region to help improve the access to child care services,” Mayor Doug Batten said. 

“It was evident from this meeting that this body of work is only in its preliminary stages, and that this issue is currently being faced across all regional and remote communities within Western NSW.”

During the meeting DRNSW highlighted the issues surrounding access to qualified trained staff within childcare (sic.) services, the Mayor continued, and that there is “a fundamental gap” in before and after school care, and during school holidays. 

“Following this meeting, it is clear that this is a matter also being experienced within our local service providers, specifically within the Hospital and Schools,” he added.

Mayor Batten said the Council recognises the importance of addressing the matter, and is eager to seek the support of State and Federal Government to explore potential solutions. 

Moving forward from the meeting the Council will discuss the options to develop a local strategy to address the effects of the shortages on the ability of locals to return to work, and the subsequent impact on local services, and service delivery within the community.