Goodstart confirms purchase of 24 Edge Early Learning centres

The purchase includes 15 Queensland centres and nine in South Australia, including two closed services that Goodstart are planning to reopen in 2027.

Goodstart Early Learning has confirmed the purchase of 24 Edge Early Learning centres, following its earlier conditional agreement to acquire 31 services.

The not-for-profit provider announced the purchase on 2 November. It said the acquisition would increase its network from 666 to 690 centres.

Chief Executive Officer Dr Ros Baxter said the coming months would focus on welcoming children, families and centre teams.

“Now the real work begins. Over the coming months we will be focused on welcoming children, families and centre teams into Goodstart. Every community is unique and we will ensure everyone has the information and support they need to successfully transition.”

Two South Australian centres set to reopen

The acquisition includes Munno Para West and Gawler East, which are currently closed. Goodstart plans to reopen both centres in 2027.

Dr Baxter said Goodstart would invest in educator professional development, support for children and families, and educational programs.

“Goodstart understands what it takes to transition services well, having previously welcomed 64 centres from BFS Children's Services and Mission Australia into the Goodstart family.”

She said the organisation was actively seeking growth opportunities, particularly in underserved communities and areas with higher numbers of vulnerable children.

Centres joining the Goodstart network

Goodstart identified the following centres in its announcement:

South Australia

• Aldinga Beach – Rowley Road
• Angle Vale – Merlot Road
• Brahma Lodge
• Gawler East — currently closed
• Mount Barker – Grantchester Avenue
• Munno Para West — currently closed
• Port Pirie
• Salisbury Downs
• Virginia

Queensland

• Aroona
• Coomera
• Eagleby
• Elanora
• Ferny Grove
• Gordonvale
• Grange
• Kanimbla
• Karana Downs
• Laidley
• Maryborough
• Peregian Springs
• Pimpama Village
• Silkstone
• Tarragindi

ARENA REIT confirms transaction

Arena confirmed the transaction of the 24 Edge Early Learning centres to Goodstart from the administrators with 16 of the business operating as Arena owned centres.

There is 1 centre with a conditional heads of agreement in discussion with a new operator and subject to contractual documentation. 

The remaining 4 centres that were originally part of the Goodstart transaction remain open while the administrators are working with potential new providers.

Purchase follows October agreement

The Sector reported Goodstart’s conditional heads of agreement for 31 Edge centres on 8 October. That proposal was subject to due diligence.

Goodstart’s purchase follows agreements involving other parts of the Edge network, including those announced by Nido Education, Montessori Academy and Honour Early Learning.

Read Goodstart’s announcement here.