Centered at the Child Care Centre was Mayor Phill Stone and back left to right: Jo Marsland - Early Childhood Teacher, Robert Desmond and Pearce Reichelt representing Steve White General Builders and Jo Vlassco - Community Services Lead.
Start of a New Chapter for the Whyalla Child Care Centre
06 September 2023
Whyalla City Council’s Child Care Centre expansion now has a start date, with the internal upgrade and extension of the current building slated to begin on 11 September.
Local builder Steve White has been awarded the tender, continuing Council’s focus on prioritising local spend to ensure projects benefit the Whyalla economy. Pearce Reichelt from Steve White General Builders said, "We are proud to be selected as the local contractor for this exciting project and we look forward to constructing Council's vision and making this facility a valuable asset for our community.”
Mayor Phill Stone said the upgrade would improve the 45-year-old centre’s functionality, while ensuring it could continue to service the community for many more decades to come.
“These upgrades will provide a modern facility that offers far more space for the families and staff that currently use the centre, as well as for future generations,” Mayor Stone said.
“It was fantastic to be able to award the tender to a local contractor who has proven his capabilities across our city, meaning it will be built by locals, for locals.”
Key highlights of the upgrade include:
- Extending the facilities to include a new baby room
- New bathroom facilities
- New front entrance, foyer spaces and offices
- Refurbishment of the existing facility
Council received $448,250 from the Australian Government Department for Education through the Community Child Care Fund Program under the Open Competitive Round 3 grant opportunity. Council will match the grant with a dollar-for-dollar investment (a requirement of the funding criteria).
“This investment demonstrates our dedication to creating a space that aligns with the evolving needs of the centre and our community,” Mayor Stone said.
“Once the works are complete, it will allow us to discuss with the Education Standards Board the possibility of increasing licenced places at the centre. Our ultimate aim is to cater for even more local families to help address the current shortage.”
Council will continue to provide updates throughout the project, while also aiming to minimise any potential disruptions to the day–to–day operations.