A new organisation is stepping in to run the Little Geckos Child Care Centre at Tindal RAAF Base from January 1 next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Currently managed by Early Learning Mission Australia, the new Defence contract has been awarded to One Tree Community Services for three years with a possible extension to seven.
“One Tree has strong values which align with the current provider Mission Australia Early Learning and we are humbled by this opportunity to continue to build on their valuable work undertaken with Defence communities which has developed over the past six years,” One Tree’s executive manager of children’s services Coral Callan said
“One Tree is looking forward to leading a smooth transition for families and staff, keeping our focus firmly on the delivery of high quality early learning and development services for children.”
Parents who use the childcare centre will have opportunities to gain qualifications in early childhood education.
As well as providing child care, the new operators will also be able to offer training to parents and anyone else who wants to pursue a career as an educator.
Little Geckos at RAAF Tindal Base can accommodate up to 73 children from babies to age six.
While the child care centre was set up for Defence families, people from outside the area can also use the facilities.
A Mission Australia Early Learning spokesperson has said despite being disappointed in the turn out of the recent tender, they are looking forward to a smooth transition.
“We are disappointed we were unsuccessful in the recent tender for the Defence Childcare Program,” the spokesperson said.
“Mission Australia Early Learning will continue operating Tindal RAAF Base until December 31 2018. Until that time our priority is, and will continue to be, towards our children, families and staff and ensuring we maintain the high level of care across our centres.
“We look forward to working with the successful provider to ensure a smooth transition for our children, families and staff.”
One Tree Community Services has been established since 1973 and already looks after 1,600 babies and young children across 17 childcare services across Australia, many in remote regions.
The Defence contract awarded to One Tree will see them double in size to provide an extra 19 child care centres across Australia.
Ms Callan said the business planned, as much as possible, to retain the childcare centre staff currently employed by Mission Australia Early Learning at RAAF Tindal.
“We also envisage the need to take on extra staff, especially in support and administration areas,” she said.
Currently One Tree employs 290 staff, of which nearly 12 per cent are Indigenous Australians.
It also has its own Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering government approved and recognised accredited training in early childhood education and care.
Read More:
