The Y WA purchases Karratha property to support early learning centre staff

To address critical workforce shortages caused by Karratha’s ongoing housing crisis, the Y WA has purchased a residential property in Karratha to support staff at its Tambrey Early Learning Centre (ELC).

Demand for early learning services in Karratha continues to grow, but the Y has faced challenges meeting community needs due to difficulties attracting and retaining staff, a challenge compounded by the region’s severe shortage of affordable housing.

Karratha is currently experiencing one of the lowest rental vacancy rates in Australia, driven by population growth, new resource projects and limited housing availability. This has resulted in soaring rents and significant challenges for residents and small businesses alike.

To help alleviate this issue, the Y WA recently purchased a fully furnished, well-appointed home located close to the Tambrey ELC. The property features modern amenities, including a pool, and has been carefully selected for its proximity, safety and quality, ensuring a welcoming home environment for staff relocating to Karratha.

Riya Nijhawan is an Early Childhood Educator and started with the Y in July after moving to Karratha from Sydney. She is the first tenant to benefit from the newly acquired property. She said, “I had friends in Karratha and saw a job vacancy, so I went for it. Initially I stayed with my friends but when I needed to move out, I found prices were too high or conditions didn’t suit me, so I was really struggling to find somewhere to live. 

“My Manager Jacqui saw my call outs on Facebook for housing and told me about the Y house. I am so grateful to have this opportunity, it was so easy and fully furnished, all I did was move all my bags in. Plus, it has a pool which really helps with how hot it gets here.” 

The home can accommodate up to three Early Childhood Educators at a subsidised rental rate. Riya recently moved in on 28 October, following settlement on 30 September. When not tenanted, the house will also be made available for visiting Y WA agency staff and other employees travelling to the region for business purposes.

“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to supporting our staff and the Karratha community,” said Dr Tim McDonald, CEO at the Y WA. “By investing in quality housing, we’re helping remove one of the biggest barriers to attracting and retaining educators in the region, ultimately ensuring more families can access the early learning services they need.”

While it is too early to measure the full impact, the Y WA is confident this investment will make a meaningful difference in staff recruitment and retention, as well as in supporting local families through consistent access to early learning and care.

The Y Tambrey ELC are part of the School ReadY Program, offered across all 14 Y ELCs. Developed by the Y, School ReadY provides educators with the resources and coaching they need to make a difference every day by supporting children to develop skills in three fundamental domains, oral language & pre-literacy, early numeracy, and social-emotional wellbeing. 

The Y Tambrey ELC is hiring for permanent and casual roles and has childcare vacancies in all age groups, including 5-day fortnight spots for Kindy and a Vacation Care program. Contact (08) 9144 2022 for details.

In addition, the Y WA ELC’s are also currently offering a ‘Refer a Friend’ incentive, offering the chance to earn up to $500 for both existing families and those they refer as new enrolments. Contact (08) 9473 8402 for more information.