An artist’s impression of the extended Whyalla Child Care Centre, which is set for an upgrade in 2023.
Whyalla Child Care Centre Upgrade
The Whyalla Child Care Centre is set to expand, with an internal upgrade and extension of the current building to take place in 2023.
The tender is now out, with Council looking to engage local contractors for the building works to upgrade and extend the current facility.
Council received $448,250, funded by the Australian Government Department of Education through the Community Child Care Fund Program. Council will match the grant with a dollar-for-dollar investment (a requirement of the funding criteria).
Council is now encouraging local businesses to submit a tender to complete the works for the extension, ensuring the local economy can benefit from the project.
Mayor Phill Stone said the centre had provided a wonderful and much-needed service to the community for 45 years, however it was now overdue for an overhaul.
“These upgrades will provide a fresh environment and some much-needed space for the families and staff that currently use the centre, as well as for future generations to follow,” Mayor Stone said.
“The facility has seen minor works over the years, but nothing of capital significance, so it’s time for this investment to improve the facilities for our families and the staff.”
The scope of work is to upgrade the existing building and extend the facilities to include a new baby room with bathroom facilities, along with a new front entrance, foyer spaces and offices.
Once the works are complete, this upgrade will allow the Whyalla Child Care Centre to discuss an increase in licenced places at the centre with the Education Standards Board.
Local building contractors are encouraged to read more about the works and submit their tender via the South Australia Tenders and Contracts website. Tender submissions will close at 2pm on 27 January 2023.
FAQs
When will the work commence?
- Works are expected to start early 2023. We will provide regular updates as exact timing is confirmed.
Will the Child Care Centre close for renovations?
- No, the centre will remain operational while the works take place. The upgrades and expansion work to the current facilities will take place with a staged approach to ensure as little disruption to service as possible.
Will I need to find alternative care for my children while the work is happening?
- No, the centre will remain open and operational with minimal disruptions to services.
How will we access the centre with the renovations happening?
- When the time comes to using an alternative entrance to the centre, we will clearly communicate this with all families engaged with the centre.
Will the cost for my children to go to the centre go up to pay for the works?
- No, the expansion to the Childcare Centre has been funded by the Australian Government Department of Education through the Community Child Care Fund Program. Council’s contribution to the project will be funded by the expected increase in childcare places the project will make available. A regular review of fees will still need to occur to correctly fund the centres operations, with a fee increase planned for February 2023, however this is unrelated to the project.
Will the expansion accommodate more children within the centre?
- The expansion will allow the Centre Management to begin discussions with the Education Standards Board about increasing the licenced places currently available.
How can I learn more about this project?
- We will continue to update families via our communications app OWNA, email and notice boards.