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Economics
Regional confidence: $6.5M sale of Bendigo childcare centre sets the tone for 2026
The first major early learning property transaction of 2026 has been completed, signalling continued investor confidence in the childcare sector despite changing economic conditions. A purpose-built, fully leased early learning service in Golden Square, a suburb of Bendigo, has sold for $6.5 million, marking a significant start to the year for regional early childhood infrastructure.
2026-01-13 08:00:50
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Research
Workforce
Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
The Australian Government’s release of the 2025 Population Statement provides a timely snapshot of demographic change, one with significant implications for early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across the country. The latest projections confirm slowing population growth, declining birth rates, and a shift toward an ageing population, reinforcing the need for strategic planning, policy alignment and investment in the early years.
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
Economics
New public preschools break ground in Macquarie Fields and Ingleburn
Construction has commenced on two new public preschools in south-western Sydney, marking a significant step in improving access to early childhood education across New South Wales. The new facilities, Curran Public Preschool and Sackville Street Public Preschool, are part of the state’s largest-ever public preschool expansion initiative, underpinned by a $769 million investment from the NSW Government.
2026-01-07 06:30:12
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Quality
Workforce
3 Day Guarantee comes into effect: New CCS rules unlock access for families and children
A landmark change to early childhood education and care (ECEC) has come into effect today, with the Australian Government’s 3 Day Guarantee now providing all Child Care Subsidy (CCS) eligible families with access to a minimum of 72 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
2026-01-05 06:30:55
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
What early childhood providers need to know about mandatory merger clearance in 2026
As Australia enters 2026, one of the most significant competition law changes in decades will come into effect, and early childhood education and care (ECEC) providers should be aware of what it means for the sector. From 1 January 2026, a mandatory, suspensory merger clearance regime will require certain large business acquisitions to be reviewed and approved by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) before they can proceed.
2025-12-17 06:30:05
by Fiona Alston
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Economics
Regional confidence: $6.5M sale of Bendigo childcare centre sets the tone for 2026
2026-01-13 08:00:50
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Research
Workforce
Australia’s population outlook: What it means for the early childhood sector
2026-01-13 08:00:47
by Fiona Alston
Economics
Provider
Quality
Workforce
3 Day Guarantee comes into effect: New CCS rules unlock access for families and children
2026-01-05 06:30:55
by Fiona Alston
