In just 4 short years, the landscape of Manjimup’s ECEC services has changed

Parents Michela and and Nick Blechynden had no problem enrolling their first child in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in 2020, but when it came time to enrol their second child, they were told he would not likely receive a place until Kindergarten, despite putting his name on the list during pregnancy. 

The Blechynden’s live nearly 300 kilometres south of Perth, and recently shared their story with The ABC, highlighting the challenges that rural and regional families face when it comes to accessing care. 

Manjimup is a town of 9,000 people, and has just one long day care service. Currently there are 34 children waiting for places, leaving parents with limited solutions, which include accessing care in neighbouring towns, or to drop out of the workforce to provide care for their children. 

Shire president Donelle Buegge said she receives multiple phone calls every week from desperate parents, leaving her concerned about the impact on the town. 

“This is an essential service that’s holding back the progression of our economy,” she said.

The Shire held a community forum about the ECEC issues in the town last month, where a number of solutions were floated, including a former kindergarten, which has been closed for 10 years, taking on a new life as a long day care service. 

Not-for-profit group Activ owns the building but gifted it to the shire, hoping that the building would  benefit the community in some way.

Amanda Bennett, the Director of the town’s only ECEC service, believes that this is an ideal solution.

“Some families have been waiting over 12 months for a place and would likely not be able to get a spot for their child until early 2025,” Ms Bennett said.

Compliance checks will be undertaken at the Lily Strauss Centre to determine what it needs to operate as a long day care service, but it has not yet been confirmed which operator will run the space. 

To read the original coverage of this story please see here.