Provider outlines regional early learning exit as replacement arrangements take shape

Uplyft says its Mount Barker and Katanning early learning centres will close by the end of December 2026, while it works towards transitioning its Kojonup service to another provider in the first half of 2027.

In a statement provided to The Sector, the organisation attributed its withdrawal to changes imposed by the respective Shires affecting its Katanning and Mount Barker operations. It said losing those services would make continuing with an isolated Kojonup service financially unfeasible.

“This decision has been incredibly difficult and we are very proud of the high-quality services we have provided to the Great Southern community over many years,” Uplyft said. The organisation said communication with families, staff and stakeholders was continuing.

Loss of connected services affects regional operating model

Uplyft said its regional centres relied on a cluster model, with relatively closely located services supporting shared staffing, supervision and overheads. Its statement explains that the viability of each centre depended partly on the wider network.

In Katanning, Uplyft has operated from a Shire-owned facility for four years. The Shire announced Gowrie WA as its preferred operator for the new Early Childhood Hub on 16 October, with ministerial approval and lease execution still outstanding at that announcement. The council described a transition from Uplyft’s existing premises to Gowrie’s new service. 

In Mount Barker, Uplyft said the Shire of Plantagenet proposed moving its lease from peppercorn rent to commercial rates. According to Uplyft, it was advised that its lease would end on 31 December if commercial terms were not agreed. The organisation said the proposed rent would significantly affect the centre’s financial viability.

Transition arrangements remain the priority

Uplyft said it was liaising with the Shires of Plantagenet and Katanning and working with other providers to minimise disruption. Its statement said it understood Gowrie would open in Katanning in December and intended to open a Mount Barker service shortly. 

For Kojonup, Uplyft said it was working with the Shire to secure an alternative provider, with a transition planned for the first half of 2027. 

Uplyft said staff and families had been informed and were understandably concerned about the impact on early childhood education and care across the region. Communication with families, staff and stakeholders has continued since the announcement.