Addressing childcare concerns across the region

By Billie Davern

Jan 3, 2025

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and son Arthur. Photo by Contributed

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has stressed her concerns for childcare issues across the region, as the decision to provide Seymour with a government-run childcare facility has been shelved by the Labor Government.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The proposed childcare centre was announced in 2023, however, according to Ms Cleeland, Seymour is not set to receive the facility until 2032.

Ms Cleeland said that Seymour is not the only town struggling with childcare concerns.

“The Benalla region has the least available childcare in the entire state,” Ms Cleeland said.

“With massive waitlists in Nagambie and other areas across our region, while Avenel has no childcare centre at all.”

“Not having enough available childcare has a massive impact on the future of our smaller towns with many families forced to relocate most of their lives to bigger centres for improved access.”

Ms Cleeland said she would continue to raise the issue in Parliament in 2025 to advocate for the thousands of young families struggling with the current accessibility and availability of childcare.

The Telegraph contacted the Department of Education to comment on this matter.

The Department said that they are working with Mitchell Shire Council to determine the most suitable site and service offer for Early Learning Victoria Seymour.

The Department indicated that there are up to 237 kindergarten places available at Wallan Secondary College and Yea Primary School this year, with at least 297 additional kindergarten places that will be available in 2026 and 2027 at schools in Wallan, Nagambie and Benalla.

Acting Minister for Children Ben Carroll said, “she (Ms Cleeland) is wrong - the Seymour centre will open well before 2032 and other Early Learning Victoria centres will open from this year through to 2032, helping to meet strong demand in communities.”