The Village Childcare Centre on Stirling Terrace opens, giving first drop of relief for Albany’s care desert

A childcare facility expected to ease the backlog of families needing daycare services in Albany officially opened on Wednesday with more than 60 people attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Village Childcare Centre on Stirling Terrace, which has been in the works since 2022, is the fruit of a joint dream between late entrepreneur Paul Lionetti and childcare stalwart Priety Dhaliwal. The centre focuses on play-based learning for children aged 0-4, with four separate animal-themed rooms dedicated to the needs of the different age ranges, with age-appropriate toys, play areas, beds and toilets. Outside boasts three sandpits, a water hand pump, a veggie and herb garden, wooden cubbies (courtesy of the Albany Men’s Shed), a bike track, a yarning circle and a calming sensory room. With 38 staff members on the books (including carers, office staff and a full-time chef) and room for 68 children, the centre has been earmarked as the first spring of oasis for Albany’s childcare desert — though director Ms Dhaliwal said her centre only takes the first step in relieving industry shortages. “We had 170 children signed up on day one of the list being open and more than 200 total,” she said. “It’s so hard because I know we will only have room for 68 children and I don’t want to have to say no to anyone because I know how hard it is finding childcare in this area. “But there are a few more services that should also be opening up in the next 12 months so I think further relief is on the horizon.” The Lionetti-owned building has seen many iterations, most recently serving as the Stirling Terrace Indoor Markets, and before that a hardware store, with an old parking sign from its days as Home Timber & Hardware recycled for the children’s bike rack parking. Village carer Brooke Dean said she would still send her children, Oakleigh-Jay, 4, and Ivy-Grace, 1, to the centre even if she didn’t work there. “Something that really stood out for me is that the outdoor yard is undercover, meaning kids can play outside when it’s too hot or raining and not be cooped up,” she said. The centre is the first big operation Ms Dhaliwal has directed herself, having previously run two after-school care programs and a business from home. She said she was overwhelmed to see the centre finally opening. “I just have an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness for everything about this journey,” she said. “Everyone I have met has been so wonderful and passionate. “It really does take a village to raise a child and Albany more so than other places gives you that village feeling. “Hopefully this will be a place that helps children thrive through play-based learning, that they will remember fondly, and give parents a bit more convenience in their lives.” Albany mayor Greg Stocks joined Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens and Ms Dhaliwal to cut the ribbon, with Cr Stocks saying his “dearly departed friend Paul” would be proud to see it. “To go from Albany being called a childcare desert a few years ago, to soon having plenty of choices is wonderful,” he said. “This place has Paul’s fingerprints all over it and I’m sure he’s looking over from across the wall feeling very proud.” The Village Childcare Centre will begin operation in mid-August.