Community
20 December, 2024
Skipton childcare feasibility study funded
SKIPTON is one step closer to establishing an early learning centre in town thanks to funding support from Corangamite Shire Council, which was released at this week’s council meeting.
The Skipton Community Collective (SCC) previously approached council in August, seeking funding for a feasibility study into the establishment of a new early and community learning centre in Skipton.
The funding request seeks a contribution from council to the value of $25,000, which is 50 per cent of the overall project cost.
The remainder of the project cost will be sourced from corporate and community stakeholders.
Director of corporate and community services David Harrington said the SCC aims to begin the project in February 2025 if approved.
“The feasibility study is aiming to evaluate service demands; identify workforce needs; recommend an appropriate organisational structure; and evaluate the financial viability of establishing a new facility,” he said.
“It will also include an indicative design and a community engagement program.
“It is expected that the SCC will collaborate with council during the preparation of the feasibility study and the final study will be presented to a council briefing.
“Council has commissioned a 10-year strategic Early Years Plan, with the plan currently in a draft stage.
“The draft plan does not currently indicate there is significant demand for additional services in Skipton, it does however note that there may be some future conflict with the Best Start Best Life reforms which will increase kindergarten hours.”
Councillor Nick Cole said the SCC have been “very proactive” in working to move Skipton forward.
“They put all of this together themselves, come to it with what I consider a very well worked-out plan to try and get some childcare into Skipton,” he said.
“It captures a big area, so I think it’s a very worthwhile thing.
“The families are scattered, but there are families up there with young children that need childcare and need early learning centres.
“It’s timely – the Federal Government are talking about a lot of childcare and early learning support, and if Skipton can get this proposal ready and going very soon, they’ve got a chance of getting some of that Federal Government support.”
The SCC formed in 2023 from various community members who share an end goal of a revitalised and prosperous Skipton and had identified early years services as one of the inhibitors to the sustainability and prosperity of the town.
Read More: Skipton