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QCCS Woodcrest Early Education Centre celebrates milestone birthday
Fiona Alston
Jul 31, 2025
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This month one of Queensland’s leading early childhood education providers, Queensland Childcare Services (QCCS), celebrated a milestone 21 years since opening the doors to its Woodcrest Early Education Centre (Woodcrest) in Springfield in 2004.
The past 21 years has been a period of immense growth within the Springfield-Redbank region, with a 58.5 per cent increase in population in a decade alone between the 20111 and 2021 Census2. Highlighting the need for quality early learning in the region, Woodcrest’s surrounding suburbs continue to draw new residents, with Springfield Lakes recently topping Infotrack’s list of most Queensland house sales for the second quarter of 2025 3. QCCS General Manager Laura Faalili said the opportunity to bring children, families and educators together to celebrate such a remarkable milestone perfectly reflected the sense of community that the centre has fostered for the past 21 years. “We are extraordinarily proud of the growth and development in Woodcrest over the past 21 years, and the continued demand for childcare in this region is no doubt a reflection of Springfield’s blossoming community and family appeal,” Ms Faalili said. “Over the past 21 years we’ve developed strong partnerships with local schools to ensure a smooth and supportive transition for our children into formal schooling – we also collaborate with the local pool for swimming lessons, enriching our programs through community connection. “One of our most heartfelt initiatives is the "I’m So Lucky" gratitude project, which sees children create posters sharing what they’re thankful for within their community, then visiting local businesses to personally deliver their messages, fostering appreciation and community pride. “This birthday is such a monumental achievement for everyone who has played a part in the centre over the years, and we’re grateful for the chance to celebrate.” Woodcrest Early Education Centre opened in 2002 with a licensed capacity of 128 children. In response to strong community demand, the centre built a second building 21 years ago in 2004, increasing its capacity to 265 children. Woodcrest achieved an ‘outstanding’ performance award in the 2024 KindiCare ratings, where it was granted a 9.6 rating, placing the centre in the top 3 per cent of early education providers nationally4. The centre was also awarded an ‘exceeding’ rating in 2023 by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority5. Though the centre has experienced continued growth throughout its 21 years, the ethos of educators has remained unchanged. Long-time staff Ange Tucker and Tash Broughton proudly celebrated Woodcrest’s milestone anniversary having worked at the centre since its beginning. “This was such a rare, full-circle moment, and an excellent reminder of the role Woodcrest plays as the heart of our community,” Ms Broughton said. “To have been with Woodcrest since the very beginning means I have been lucky to experience so many unforgettable memories, including having children who started with us as babies return to the centre years later as educators.” To celebrate the milestone Woodcrest hosted a centre birthday party, bringing educators, children and families together to reflect on a legacy of trust, connection and care that has been cultivated by students and staff at the centre over the past 21 years. To learn more about QCCS, visit here.
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