Cabonne Council is calling on the Commonwealth Government to help secure the future of its Out of School Hours Care (OOSH) services after unsuccessful funding applications left a projected $1.27 million shortfall over three years. Council has operated OOSH services since 2013 and currently provides six services across Molong, Clergate, Mullion Creek, Nashdale, Cudal and Blayney.
Deputy Mayor, Jamie Jones said the services were vital to working families, local businesses and the long-term sustainability of rural communities.
"These services are incredibly valuable to our communities. They allow parents and carers to go to work, help local businesses retain staff and give families support at a time when the cost of living is putting pressure on household budgets."
"We need our rural towns and villages to remain attractive places to live, work and raise a family. Access to childcare is an important part of that, and without these services, families have very few alternatives."
In July 2026, Council was advised that all six applications submitted through the Australian Government's Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) were unsuccessful. The decision represents an estimated loss of $1.27 million over the next three years, or approximately $453,800 annually, contributing to a projected annual deficit of around $554,000 across the OOSH network.
Grant funding currently accounts for approximately 44 per cent of total OOSH revenue, demonstrating the critical role external funding plays in maintaining services in rural communities.
At its October 2026 Ordinary Meeting, Council considered a financial sustainability review, endorsed the submission of CCCF Special Circumstances Grant applications for all six OOSH services and the use of quarantined OOSH reserve funds to support operations while funding outcomes are determined. A further report on workforce capacity, sustainability and service delivery will be presented to Council in March 2027.
Councillor Jones said Cabonne was doing what it could to maintain the service, but the financial pressure could not be absorbed indefinitely.
"Council is taking practical steps to keep this service operating. We are applying for additional funding and using the reserves set aside to support them while we work through the options.
"We need to be realistic though. Council cannot continue to absorb a shortfall of almost half a million dollars a year on its own. We need a sustainable funding model that recognises the challenges of delivering childcare in small rural communities.
"Rural towns and villages are not always financially viable for private providers. That is where government support matters."
Council has raised the importance of rural childcare with Federal Government representative, including Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP and Senator for NSW, Deborah O'Neill.
Council has successfully secured CCCF funding for its OOSH services since 2018. However, it is a highly competitive program, and funding is never guaranteed.
"This is another example of local government being asked to do more with less," Councillor Jones said.
"Councils continue to step in and deliver services that support families, local jobs and rural economies, but sustainable childcare funding cannot be the responsibility of local government alone.
"We need all levels of government working together to ensure families in rural communities can access affordable childcare.
"If governments want to increase workforce participation and strengthen rural communities, then maintaining access to childcare in rural areas is an important part of achieving that."
Councillor Jones also encouraged families who need before and after school care to enrol their children.
"Continued use by local families helps strengthen the viability of our services and demonstrates the ongoing need for out of school hours care in our communities."
Council will continue pursuing funding opportunities to support the long-term sustainability of its childcare services while keeping families and key stakeholders informed of any significant developments.
There are currently no changes to service delivery, and families can continue to access Family Day Care and OOSH services as usual
