Gobbagombalin service cannot reopen following September emergency closure

A Gobbagombalin early childhood service which was closed in September 2024 following the raising of serious concerns, and a number of issues uncovered by the Regulatory Authority, remains closed as the new year commences. 

The service was closed immediately following the inspection by the Regulatory Authority in September last year, where authorised offices found an immediate risk to the safety, health or wellbeing of children.

Several breaches

Further analysis of CCTV post the inspection showed alleged breaches including children being left for extended periods in high chairs and suffering falls after being placed unsecured in baby bouncers.

Several of the breaches were deemed to be serious and “indicative of substantial and ongoing risk to the health, safety and wellbeing of children”, which allowed the department to order the immediate shutdown.

At least one staff member did not hold a working with children check and had not done any formal training in early childhood education, the court documents revealed.

Other concerns raised by the Department of Education in shutting down the centre were that children were allegedly seen eating food scraps off the floor amid a “lack of general hygiene” and staff using phones when they were supposed to be supervising children.

Tribunal hearing

A tribunal hearing held on Monday upheld the six month suspension placed on the service at the time, despite objections from the owner who argued that a continuation of the suspension would cause financial strain, and would result in the service’s permanent closure. 

The operator of the service has indicated that they plan to contest the decision, relying on CCTV footage to refute claims. 

In response the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal said that while this defence was ‘not hopeless,’ claims by the operator that the Regulatory Authority was “hyper vigilant” and had overreacted were inaccurate. 

“There are far too many serious alleged breaches,” the tribunal said.

“The unacceptable risk to the health, wellbeing and safety of the child can best be protected by refusing a stay.”

Parents respond

The service operator, along with his now ex-wife who was involved in the running of the service, operated a total of three centres, including the now closed service. The pair plan to implement new measures to address some of the conduct of concern, such as the use of mobile phones while educating children and children eating off the floor.

Speaking with local media, parents and educators from the service have welcomed the decision to keep the service closed, saying “it’s a good thing for the children, because they aren’t in harm’s way any more.”

“This initial decision by the tribunal sends a strong message that we expect nothing less than the highest quality of care from approved providers,” a department spokesperson added.

“Regulations are there for a reason – to ensure young children are safe.

“The shocking evidence demonstrates the need for a regulator that is empowered to step in when a provider is in breach of or does not act in accordance with the law and regulations.”

The centre’s director was approached for comment by local media and did not respond.

Access the coverage of each of the two source stories for this piece here.