Ground broken on new Bayonet Head Learning Centre as winds of change whip through Albany child care desert

More child care openings in Albany will become available within 12 months with construction set to soon start on the Bayonet Head Early Learning Centre.

The centre on Stranmore Boulevard will add 72 new places to those already available in Albany and is expected to open in early 2025.

At a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, centre director Caroline Parry said she was “thrilled” about building the facility, which would represent a commitment to providing high-quality care to Albany families.

“We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life,” she said.

“Our centre will be a place where children can learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment.”

Having child care options nearby enables parents to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively...

Work is expected to start within coming months at the completion of a tender process.

The new centre will be the first in a rapidly developing area to the north-east of central Albany, where most of the city’s childcare centres are located.

Ms Parry said families having access close to where they live was of “critical importance”.

“Proximity to childcare facilities not only enhances convenience for parents but also ensures that children have access to quality care and early education opportunities within their local community,” she said.

“Having child care options nearby enables parents to balance work and family responsibilities more effectively, reducing stress and logistical challenges associated with commuting to distant locations for childcare services.

“Children benefit from being part of their local community, fostering a sense of belonging and familiarity that contributes to their overall wellbeing and development.”

Albany’s shortfall of available child care places saw the city labelled a “child care desert” in a 2022 report and the problem has continued to be a pressing issue within the community.

A survey conducted by the Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry last year indicated 78 per cent of business respondents had their planning impacted by the availability of child care.

Renovations well under way within the former indoor markets building on Stirling Terrace are also set to boost child care availability in the near future.

Last year Village Childcare received a $140,000 State Government grant to help convert the building into a long daycare service capable of providing 68 places.

Director Preity Dhaliwal said work had been progressing well and she was hopeful the new centre would be operating by the middle of the year.