Key Takeaways
- The Falls Creek childcare centre is facing closure due to financial and workforce challenges, leaving 17 enrolled children without care.
- The closure would have widespread ramifications for the community, including affecting local businesses and emergency services.
- Families are trying to find a way to operate the centre themselves, but the tight timeframe and Christmas holidays make it a difficult task.
- The closure would force young couples to leave the area to have a family, and would impact the local economy and community.
- Alpine Resorts Victoria has gone to market with an expression of interest to transition the service to another provider in 2026.
Introduction to the Crisis
The families residing at Falls Creek are facing a crisis as the local childcare centre is set to close due to financial and workforce challenges. The centre, which is currently home to 17 enrolled children, is a vital part of the community, providing care and support to families who live and work in the area. However, with the centre’s closure looming, families are desperately trying to find a way to operate it themselves, but the tight timeframe and Christmas holidays are making it an almost impossible task. As Lachlan Beckett, a local business owner and father of two, stated, "Time is the big thing we need." The closure of the centre would not only affect the families who rely on it but also have a significant impact on the local economy and community.
The Impact on Local Businesses
The closure of the childcare centre would have a significant impact on local businesses, as many rely on the centre to provide care for their employees’ children. Without the centre, businesses would have to employ more staff to cover the gaps, which would increase costs and affect their bottom line. Beckett’s business, for example, would have to operate with reduced hours, which would impact his ability to provide services to customers. The closure would also affect the local tourism industry, as families would be less likely to visit the area if they cannot access childcare. As Beckett said, "We couldn’t operate our business seven days a week… We’ll have to employ more staff to cover what we’d normally do when we’re looking after kids. So the costs will start going up for everyone."
The History of the Childcare Centre
The childcare centre has been a vital part of the Falls Creek community for many years, providing care and support to families who live and work in the area. However, in recent years, the centre has faced significant challenges, including the loss of casual childcare services during the ski season. This decision, made by Alpine Resorts Victoria, has had a significant impact on the centre’s finances, making it no longer viable. As Amy Hodge, a local mother and business owner, stated, "They cut that out and all of a sudden, we’re not viable." The centre’s closure would not only affect the families who rely on it but also have a significant impact on the local community, as it would force young couples to leave the area to have a family.
The Ramifications for the Community
The closure of the childcare centre would have widespread ramifications for the community, including affecting local emergency services. The Country Fire Authority and the State Emergency Service rely on permanent Falls Creek residents, who would struggle to volunteer without access to childcare. As Zac Howard, a local business owner and father of two, stated, "Young couples here would have to leave to have a family… Young couples would not bring families here." The closure would also impact the local economy, as families would be less likely to move to the area without access to childcare. The 2021 census shows that Falls Creek’s population is just over 320, and the loss of the childcare centre would only exacerbate the challenges faced by the community.
The Response from Alpine Resorts Victoria
In a statement, Falls Creek general manager Colleen Gwynne said that Alpine Resorts Victoria had reviewed the operation of the childcare centre and decided to cease operating the service due to financial and workforce challenges. The high level of compliance requirements was not core business for Alpine Resorts Victoria, and the economic shortfall would reach about $177,000 by the end of the financial year. While 14 of the children had found alternative placements, Gwynne confirmed that Alpine Resorts Victoria had gone to market with an expression of interest to transition the service to another provider in 2026. However, this does little to alleviate the concerns of the families who rely on the centre, who are facing a very uncertain future.
The Future of the Childcare Centre
The future of the childcare centre remains uncertain, as families and the community wait to see if a solution can be found. The closure of the centre would have a significant impact on the community, and it is essential that a solution is found to ensure that families can continue to access childcare. As the community comes together to try and find a way to operate the centre themselves, it is clear that the closure of the childcare centre is not just a local issue but a symptom of a broader problem. The lack of access to childcare is a challenge faced by many communities, and it is essential that governments and organizations work together to find solutions to ensure that families can access the care and support they need.