When I asked our Community Services Director in early November if we should be expressing an interest in local ABC Centres the response was "NO - not yet!" Looks like the time may be upon us as today the mellifluous sounding Mr Honey (The Receiver @ McGrathNichol) announced that only 2 of the ABC Centres located in Willoughby Local Government Area (Tulloh St & Johnson St)would continue to operate amongst the 720 to remain as part of the restructured organisation. Australia wide, 55Centres will be closed. We have not been told which ones however parents of children at those centres will be offered places at nearby (2.5k radius) Centres. Mr Honey thought there would be jobs for 80% of the staff from these Centres. He also announced that another 241 Centres were "not viable under ABCs business model" but that it was possible that they could be profitable if operated under an "alternative business model". Four Centres operating in Willoughby (Fullers Rd Chatswood, Mowbray Rd Artarmon, 354 Eastern Valley Way and Barcoo St Roseville) are amongst them Meanwhile, Julia Gillard announced a further $34M of federal support for the 241 Centres, available till March "if necessary". The Deputy Prime Minister made it clear on the 7.30 Report tonight that she thought the alternative business model was going to be that of the not for profit and local government providers.
So far as local government is concerned, I can assure Willoughby parents and staff that your Council will move to protect your places and your livelihood and we will be doing our utmost to negotiate fair and just terms in any handover from the Commonwealth (and Mr Honey). This negotiation is probably best done collectively through our peak organisation, the NSW Local Government Association of which I am now an Executive member.
Interesting to note that Mr Groves organisation appears to have secured a preferred provider arrangement with the previous federal government having a monopoly over all 21 Defence Force sites - all of which will continue to trade. Makes you wonder whether the Commonwealth has made special arrangements which have not been the subject of any press releases.
I will keep you posted and am looking forward to the return of quality child care for our children.
PostScript:
ABC (the broadcaster) reports that "a consortium" comprising Bendigo & Adelaide banks and unspecified "charities and community service agencies" are interested in taking over all 241 of the non viable centres. Also that 100 of the 500 staff of the centres to be closed "will not be reassigned" Full story here
