Cost of living is forcing families into work, but care isn’t there, Naracoorte Director says

Freya Lucas

Jul 18, 2023

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Christine Gregor is the director of a 50-place long day care service in south-east South Australia, which has 30 children on its waiting list. She recently spoke with the ABC in the hopes of drawing attention to the challenges the sector is facing when it comes to high demand for care coming at a time when recruitment challenges abound.

As the cost of living rises and families feel the pressure of needing care in order to work, demand for her service is rising, however the service is full and workers are hard to come by.

In addition, families from the surrounding towns of Penola, Bordertown and Edenhope are sending their children to care in Naracoorte because of limited availability in their own communities.

The centre is currently advertising for staff, working across a Monday to Friday roster, between the hours of 6:30am and 6pm. To take the pressure off the current team, Ms Gregor needs at least another seven staff, both full time and casual, however the workers are just not available.

Her problems will only grow in the new year, with two staff currently on maternity leave, unable to return to working in the service because there is no space for their babies.

The story is similar down the road, at Naracoorte Child Day Care, which has up to 40 children on a waitlist for care, with places for children under two years in highest demand.

Director Sue Smith said while some spots would open up in preschool next term, finding staff was also a barrier in her service, which has been advertising for an assistant director role since May, with no success.

"I don't know whether staff are staying in the sector as long, but … those with diploma and leadership experience are really quite hard to find," Ms Smith shared with the ABC.

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

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