One Tree Community Services enters agreement with Horsham Rural City Council

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider One Tree Community Services has entered into an agreement with Horsham Rural City Council which will open up an additional 91 long day care places in Horsham from later this year. 

The development is part of the Council’s plan to lessen the severe childcare shortage in the Wimmera region. One Tree, which has been operating in Victoria since 2016, has signed a lease to use rooms at the Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub for long day care provision. 

“One Tree Community Services has a rich history of providing quality early years services. Their commitment to community and dedication to nurturing young minds aligns with our vision for the children of Horsham,” Chief Executive Sunil Bhalla said.

“With three rooms at the Hub now vacant, we are pleased that One Tree is stepping in to provide much-needed long day care at the Hub,” Mr Bhalla added.

One Tree will provide the service independently from Council, including managing enrolments and staffing.

Maternal and child health services and supported playgroups will continue to operate from the Hub alongside the long day care service.

“The Kalkee Road Hub remains a cornerstone of our community, providing essential early years and immunisation services. We are excited about this new chapter and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our families,” Mr Bhalla said.

Speaking on behalf of One Tree, Executive Director Coral Callan said the provider is ‘delighted’ to partner with Horsham Rural City Council to provide the much needed children’s services.

“We understand how important these services are in rural communities,” Ms Callan said. 

“We are excited to start working with the Council and local community to transform challenges into possibilities.”