Indigo Shire Council has voted to terminate the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the Mayday Hills Beechworth Childcare and Kindergarten Centre and work directly with current operators to secure the future of early years services in Beechworth.
Following the withdrawal of the preferred provider, Alpine Children's Services in April, Council's evaluation found that the remaining proposals failed to provide a suitable outcome that aligned to the intent of the EOI and met the need of broader community interests and expectations.
Mayor, Sophie Prices says rather than continue with the EOI process, Council is taking immediate action to provide certainty for local families. "Our priority is ensuring Beechworth families have access to quality childcare and kindergarten services."
Council has directed the CEO to engage with the current occupants, Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre and Beechworth Kindergarten, to explore new lease arrangements that would allow both services to continue operating at the site.
To provide immediate certainty, Council has also approved extending current occupancy agreements until new leases are negotiated.
"We recognise how important these services are to our community and the stress that uncertainty causes families," Cr Price says. "This decision provides a clear path forward while we work on longer-term arrangements."
She says Council is committed to working with both current operators and the broader community to ensure early years services continue to meet local demand and the requirements of the whole community.
