Works to commence later this year on ECEC facility in Naracoorte

The regional South Australian community of Naracoorte should have a new early childhood education and care (ECEC) service in mid-late 2025, with construction on a $2 million facility to start in September this year. 

To be located on the site of a disused TAFE building, the construction project will be led by Jrod Pty Ltd, which is owned and operated by a local business in the Naracoorte region. The developer has received a $500,000 grant from the State Government’s Enabling Infrastructure program to construct the much needed facility, which will educate and care for 60 local children. 

Jarryd Dawson of Jrod Pty Ltd said the significant investment from the government will directly benefit the community by addressing the pressing need for accessible early childhood education and care (ECEC) services.

“By providing a new childcare (sic.) centre, we’re not only supporting working families by enabling parents to maintain employment, but we’re also enhancing community well-being,” he shared with local news source Naracoorte Community News. 

“It will lay the foundation for children’s future success through early childhood education, ensuring they have the skills and resources they need to thrive academically and socially.”

As well as benefiting children the construction and operation of the service will lead to increased job opportunities for residents, with the construction phase set to create a demand for skilled labour, contractors, and suppliers from the area.

Touring the site recently, South Australia’s Minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven said the government sees the strong need to ensure regional communities are places that attract and retain families and workers to live.

“Transforming a vacant building into a childcare centre in Naracoorte will have a meaningful impact on opportunities for young and growing families in the region as children prepare for more formal education,” Ms Scriven said.

She said accessible childcare is crucial for many families and supports parents’ ability to be in the paid workforce.