Mildura Rural City Council has marked the end of a long and significant chapter in its history, following the difficult decision to transition out of the direct delivery of Playalong and Family Day Care Services.
Councillors yesterday endorsed a recommendation to transition out of these two services, while committing to continue supporting children to have the best start to life through other early years initiatives and partnerships.
There will be no immediate changes to the services families are currently receiving. As part of the decision, a transition plan has been established to support families who use Playalong and Family Day Services to secure alternative arrangements with other providers, ensuring continuity of care for local families.
General Manager Healthy Communities Mark Jenkins said Council had consulted extensively with families and staff prior to the decision, carefully considering the concerns raised and the challenges that might be experienced as a result.
"This was not a decision made lightly," Mr Jenkins said.
"We recognise the long history of these services and the deep relationships our staff and contractors have built with families over many decades.
"However, despite our best efforts, the services are no longer sustainable for Council to deliver in the current environment."
Both services were established in the late 1970s, during a period of strong community advocacy for universally accessible childcare to enable women to enter the workforce. Council opened Playalong in 1978, making it one of Mildura's first childcare centres, followed by the establishment of Family Day Care a year later.
Demand for these services grew steadily, peaking in the 1990s when Family Day Care supported more than 800 children each week, with more than 130 contracted carers. Since that time, the early years sector has changed significantly, with a growing number of private providers now operating in the region.
"This is not an issue that has emerged overnight," Mr Jenkins said.
"It reflects a long-term trend being experienced not just locally, but across the local government sector more broadly."
Over time, declining demand, ongoing financial deficits, reliance on external funding and increasing workforce challenges have made it increasingly difficult for Council to deliver these non-mandated services.
"While we have been working hard to sustain the services over many years, we have reached a point where there are so many other providers, that Council's very small services cannot compete - and nor should we," Mr Jenkins said.
"These factors, supported by a comprehensive service review, have ultimately led to the decision by Council this week."
Mr Jenkins acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision for Council staff, contractors and families.
"This truly marks the end of an era," he said.
"For decades Council staff and contracted educators have played a deeply meaningful role in the early years of thousands of children across our community.
"This is an incredibly emotional time for those who have dedicated their careers to these services. For many this work has been far more than a job - it's about genuine relationships and care.
"I want to sincerely thank all current and former early years staff and contractors for the invaluable contribution they have made. Your legacy will continue to be felt across our community for many years to come".
