The Bayside City Council has announced it will close its only community-based childcare centres in Hampton and Sandringham.
This decision was made by the Council without consulting with staff, families or the Bayside community.
These not for profit centres have provided an essential service to Bayside families for over 30 years, and their closure will force 160 families to find alternative care. Private centres have already indicated they will not be able to respond to the overwhelming demand for places.
Disabled and at risk children have not been considered. The centres currently provide priority access for these children and a high standard of care not available elsewhere.
35 employees will lose their jobs – many have worked in the centres for 10 years or more.
The Council has not offered any alternative options for families requiring childcare.
Please sign this petition to show your support in our attempts to prevent the closure of these two much loved and needed facilities.
Thank-you.