Mirboo North families have welcomed news the St Andrews Child Care Centre could remain open after South Gippsland Shire announced it would begin negotiations with a provider.
Council discussions with the Young Men’s Christian Association Ballarat will focus on due diligence and timing matters before the YMCA confirms their role.
This follows UnitingCare’s decision to withdraw its child care services in South Gippsland from the end of February.
Council community services director Jan Martin said after an expression of interest process the selection panel unanimously agreed that the YMCA Ballarat had the necessary experience and commitment to extend its role in Mirboo North.
“The YMCA has operated the Mirboo North kindergarten service, which is adjacent to the child care centre, for the past three years,” Mrs Martin said.
She said young families in Mirboo North welcomed the potential resolution of the childcare crisis and details of a community forum would be announced early in the new year.
“Council is negotiating with UnitingCare to extend their withdrawal time to enable continuing child care while the financial modelling and transition planning is undertaken.”
