24 years, one centre, countless lives changed: sisters reflect on a lifetime of caring at Play and Learn Cornubia 

In a sector often challenged by high staff turnover, one early learning centre in Logan is quietly proving that when people feel valued, they stay.

For the past 24 years, sisters Sara and Mel have walked through the doors of Play and Learn Cornubia, dedicating their careers to nurturing generations of local children. Between them, they've watched babies grow into parents, welcomed former children back as educators, and built lifelong relationships with hundreds of families.

Their story is a rare one in Australia's early childhood education sector, where workforce shortages and staff retention continue to make headlines. Yet at Play and Learn Cornubia, long serving educators aren't the exception, they're part of the culture.

Many of the centre's educators have been with the service for more than 10 years, while several have dedicated over 20 and even 30 years to caring for local children.

For Sara, the reason has always been simple.

"This has never just been a job for me. It's been my second home. Watching children grow, seeing them head off to school, and then years later seeing them return with children of their own is something incredibly special. You don't get that everywhere."

Mel says the relationships built over the years are what have kept her inspired every day.

"Families become part of your life. You celebrate milestones together, support each other through challenges, and create memories that last forever. Knowing we've been a small part of so many childhoods is something I'm really proud of."

While many modern early learning centres compete with state of the art buildings and the latest facilities, Play and Learn Cornubia believes its greatest strength has always been something much harder to build.

"We might not have the newest or shiniest buildings," Mel said. "But what we've always had is a team with enormous hearts. The love we have for our children has never changed, and I think families can feel that the moment they walk through our doors."

Sara agrees.

"Buildings can be renovated, playgrounds can be upgraded, but genuine relationships can't be bought. Children remember how you made them feel, and that's what we've always focused on."

The sisters say one of their proudest moments has been seeing former children return to the centre, not just as parents, but as educators themselves.

"That's when you realise you've created something really special," Sara said. "When someone chooses to come back because they remember how loved and supported they felt here as a child, that's the greatest compliment you could ever receive."

In a sector where consistency is so important for young children, familiar faces provide comfort, security and trust. For many Cornubia families, educators like Sara and Mel have become part of their own family stories.

Their 24 years of service aren't simply a milestone, they're a reminder that while buildings may change and trends may come and go, it's the people who truly shape a child's earliest memories.

At Play and Learn Cornubia, that heart has remained the same for generations.