Mirboo North Child Care Initiative
Childcare in Mirboo North maintained due to intervention by Mirboo North & District Community Foundation
Ballarat YMCA has taken over as provider of childcare services in Mirboo North as from May 2014… It will deliver a quality, affordable education and care program designed to extend each child’s learning in a play-based environment.
This news was very warmly welcomed by the South Gippsland Shire Council and members of the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation. The Foundation’s intervention was integral to supporting the transition from UnitingCare to Ballarat YMCA.
The Foundation funded the operational deficit of UnitingCare until the end of April 2014, allowing time for a new provider to take over the service.
Kate Buxton, Chair of Mirboo North & District Community Foundation, said that this was outside of the Foundation’s usual remit.
“We could see that there was a community need for the service. We could also see that not having childcare services in Mirboo North had the potential to create a domino-effect with people leaving the district in order to secure child care in other areas.
“The Foundation members are very proud that the commitment to fund operating losses bought enough time for the Ballarat YMCA to step into the breach. It is a great result, one that could not have happened without the determined efforts of the Foundation, South Gippsland Shire Council and – of course – Ballarat YMCA.”
Mayor of South Gippsland Shire Council, Councillor James Fawcett took the opportunity to thank the Foundation for its timely intervention. “This is the beauty of a community-based foundation. It was able to respond quickly to an obvious community need. It is a credit to all concerned that the families of Mirboo North have had ongoing access to childcare this year.
“South Gippsland Shire Council looks forward to working with Ballarat YMCA as it takes over St Andrew’s Childcare and values the established relationship it has with the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation in responding to local community need,” said Cr Fawcett.
Ballarat YMCA CEO Mr Mal Healey says the support of the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation has helped make the opportunity to manage the St Andrew’s Childcare Centre a reality.
“The YMCA is very excited to have the opportunity to manage the child care centre and develop a strong long-term relationship with key community groups including Mirboo North & District Community Foundation.
“Once the YMCA is settled in its management role, we will be looking for regular opportunities for the Foundation to be involved, where possible, in the Centre’s successes,” said Mr. Healey.