Council
22 May, 2024
Child care provider secured
READY, Set, Go will operate the Timboon Children’s Centre under a new agreement with Corangamite Shire Council.
The early childhood services provider, which operates a centre in Mortlake, will take over from current operator Kardinia Early Learning.
Mayor Kate Makin said council had been working to secure a provider through an Expressions of Interest process to minimise disruption to families and staff.
“We are thrilled that Ready, Set, Go has come on board,” she said.
Kardinia Early Learning and Ready, Set, Go will now work towards the end-of-June handover with a parent information session on Friday at 6.30pm.
Ready, Set, Go owner Zeke Pottage said Timboon Children’s Centre would “fit really nicely” with the company’s mission of providing world quality care independent of postcode.
“As a family, we found the lack of care in the area really hard,” he said.
“That’s why we decided to move from a school background into early childhood care in Mortlake.
“We are hoping to continue this mission in Timboon and it’s an exciting opportunity for the two centres to work together from a resourcing perspective.”
Kardinia Early Learning informed parents the service would cease in June in a shock announcement at the end of March.
The decision to close was reportedly due to staffing issues, according to a letter to parents.
“We understand this notification will be disappointing for many families, however, the educator and teacher shortage in rural Victoria has taken a significant toll on our team and organisation,” Kardinia Early Learning chief executive officer Sue Bunting said.
“We have advertised for educators for over six months with little success, we have been sending staff from Geelong, Bannockburn, and Warrnambool to support the team in Timboon.
“With staff shortages across the whole state, this is not a viable and secure ongoing option.”
For the latest news and updates on Timboon Children’s Centre visit www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/timbooncentre.