Shire of Augusta Margaret River boosts ECEC hopes with $100,000 injection

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River will provide $100,000 towards the establishment of a new early childhood education and care (ECEC) service for the Augusta community, a decision reached after a recent meeting. 

The Ordinary Council Meeting saw Council members vote to make a once-off contribution to the Augusta and Districts Community Childcare (ADCC) to assist with the refurbishment and fit out of the State building at 7 Hillview Road, Augusta.

“Council deliberated over this matter and in the end, we decided to give the Augusta and Districts Community Childcare $100,000 out of our budget this year,” Shire President Julia Meldrum explained. 

“This contribution is possibly the best $100,000 that has been spent in Augusta for a long time.”

ADCC first approached the Shire for support four years ago, and Director Sustainable Economy and Communities, Nick Byrne said the matter had received “a lot of community interest” and the Shire had been doing its best to keep the community informed.

“ADCC’s strong commitment to providing regional children with access to childcare (sic.) really is admirable and we’re pleased to see this finally come to fruition,” he said.

“The $100,000 contribution will help get the business up and running to support the future needs of families in and around Augusta.”

The development of the new service will complement existing offerings in the community which include before and after school care, vacation care, the Margaret River Community Centre which offers early learning options, and a creche for gym users. 

ADCC hope to open the new service by the end of the year and once established, the centre will support Augusta families as well as local businesses.