Source : Perth Now news
The Town of Bassendean mayor has defended a controversial proposal to sell its long-running Wind in the Willows childcare centres after a huge community rally against the move.
About 120 children will be affected, with parents saying they were left “blindsided” when the town sent a notification informing them of the intention to sell the business to a for-profit provider.
The Bassendean location is scheduled to close as soon as mid-2026, with Ashfield closing later in the year.
Mayor Kathryn Hamilton acknowledged local families have deep emotional connection with Wind in the Willows but said running the childcare service at a loss affects all ratepayers.
“I recognise that these centres are places where children grow, families connect and lasting friendships are formed, so for many parents this matter is deeply personal and evokes strong emotions,” she said.
“At the same time, council has the responsibility of reviewing all services, particularly when those services are subsidised by the broader community.”
Cr Hamilton revealed the service lost $361,871 in the previous financial year, and was “structurally constrained” and financially unsustainable.
“Operating two separate sites has long presented challenges,” she said.
“There are unavoidable inefficiencies and costs in maintaining duplicate staffing and administrative structures.”
The mayor also called out some “unacceptable behaviour” directed at senior staff.
“I would ask that the dialogue around this matter remain respectful, especially in light of some unacceptable behaviours directed at senior staff last week,” she said.
“Difficult decisions are rarely easy and they must be considered carefully, calmly and in the long-term interests of the majority of ratepayers.”
Cr Hamilton said that even with a “comprehensive overhaul” of the operating model of the two centres, the most “optimistic outcome” would be to achieve a break-even position.
“However, a break-even model does not generate funds for capital renewal,” she said.
The Bassendean centre, built in 1975, was singled out as requiring increasing maintenance and capital investment as it ages.
Cr Hamilton revealed the two centres accounted for about 30 per cent of the town’s total workforce, heavily relying on human resources, finance, administration and infrastructure teams.
“Maintaining two ageing facilities diverts resources from other public programs and assets,” she said.
“Continuing to operate a loss-making service must therefore be carefully weighed against other needs across the municipality.”
She said 27 per cent of families using the centres lived outside of the town.
Cr Hamilton said the beginning of a State Government plan to trial free full-time kindy for four-year-olds in schools could impact enrolments at the Ashfield site.
Some parents have raised their concerns about the sale to a private operator, which is planned to be Cha Cha Cha Pty Ltd.
“While some Wind in the Willows parents have expressed concern about ‘for-profit’ providers, it is important to note that the same regulatory and quality standards apply to all approved childcare operators,” Cr Hamilton said.
She said the purchaser of the Wilson Street site already operated three early childhood education centres, two of which were rated as exceeding national standards.
“Importantly, the sale of the Wilson Street site to an experienced operator supports continuity of care and future childcare investment” she said.
“Unlike the town’s not-for-profit delivery model, which does not generate an operating surplus for capital renewal, the purchaser has a demonstrated capacity to reinvest in facilities, expand service provision, and enhance quality.”
A rally is planned at the Bassendean Wind in the Willows, 28 Wilson Street, on Thursday, March 5, at 3.30pm.
Community members can still provide comment on the sale online.
