Northern Grampians Shire Council has opted not to take any action in relation to a petition asking to reverse the decision to close Taylor’s Gully Childcare Centre in Stawell.
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Council was presented with a petition prior to its September meeting and allowed the document to lay on the table for discussion at its latest meeting on Monday night.
The online petition, which was presented by the Australian Services Union, stated: “I call on Northern Grampians Shire Council to immediately reverse the decision to close Taylor’s Gully Childcare Centre, a decision not made in the public interest.”
The union also stated that: “Smaller towns face considerable economic challenges and your decision will both increase local unemployment and impede service user’s ability to stay in employment. We ask you to listen to your public and engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders. Helping find a way to provide childcare at the exceptional level staff currently operate at.”
Cr Karen Hyslop moved a motion that council, having received and considered the petition, not take any action in relation to the request to reverse the decision to close Taylors Gully.
Cr Hyslop said since the petition had been received, council had been presented with an expression of interest from the Grampians YMCA to lease a section of the building to provide services.
“Since the petition was put on the internet, we have had a lot more information come to council,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Council called for expressions of interest and officers have been working with the highest scoring applicant on providing a similar service to the community without cost to Northern Grampians Shire Council.
“The successful organisation has plans to create a Family Hub at the facility which will include health programs, education programs and children’s programs, should there be a commercial need it will also include the provision of long day care.
“The organisation has also stated they will undertake a full recruitment process to fill vacant positions at the facility.
“This will provide an opportunity for staff made redundant by Northern Grampians Shire Council to apply for positions.”
Cr Hyslop said the decision to cease operating the facility was based on the limited utilisation from the community with only 34 families regularly attending at a cost of approximately $500,000 to council.
“With the changes that have happened, there is now no need for us to reverse the council’s previous decision, because we now have a solution and a plan and strategy in place for this part of Taylors Gully” Cr Hyslop said.
“It’s a step in the right direction and it’s saving ratepayers quite a lot of money while still providing a service that is very important to our shire. These are services that we do need in our shire and I believe this is the right step forward.”