an initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of childcare services in the north and west of South Australia.
Scheduled for Tuesday, 4 March 2025, from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Port Broughton foreshore, this event will bring national attention to childcare accessibility issues in rural areas.
The initiative, spearheaded by a coalition of 23 regional councils and supported by national advocacy organisations, including The Parenthood and Thrive by Five, seeks to secure policy changes and funding commitments to improve childcare services. The launch event in Port Broughton will underscore the urgent need for government intervention to alleviate the challenges faced by families and businesses in childcare-deficient communities.
South Australia’s Grey electorate has been identified by the Mitchell Institute as having the worst childcare accessibility in the country. The 2022 Demand Survey for Barunga West revealed an average need for 48 long day care places, peaking at 52 in 2024, along with a growing demand for 43 out-of-school-hours care (OSHC) places. Almost 74% of surveyed parents indicated they would either enter the workforce or increase their work hours if suitable childcare services were available.
The lack of childcare options has also deterred families from relocating to Port Broughton, impacting local economic growth and workforce availability.
Despite the 2023 Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care recommending enhanced investment in childcare infrastructure, regional areas such as Port Broughton remain woefully underserved.
While the State Government has advocated for the Federal Government to adopt a better funding model, no definitive action has been taken to support these communities in the immediate term.
The launch event will serve as a platform for regional advocacy, with invitations extended to political candidates contesting the Grey electorate in the upcoming federal election.
The event will ensure attendees have the opportunity to engage with local leaders about the challenges and potential solutions surrounding childcare access.
Barunga West Council encourages community participation to demonstrate the widespread demand for enhanced childcare services. Paul Simpson, Interim CEO of Barunga West Council, said there were serious economic implications of inadequate childcare availability.
“The lack of childcare is not just a social concern - it has significant economic repercussions,” Mr Simpson said. “Without accessible childcare, workforce participation declines, and regional development is stifled. This launch event is a crucial step in amplifying our community’s needs and advocating for meaningful government intervention.”
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, 4 March 2025
- Time: 6pm– 7:30pm
- Location: Port Broughton Foreshore
- Entry: Free and open to the public
About the Regional Childcare Desert Advocacy Project (RCDAP):
The RCDAP is a coalition of regional councils committed to improving childcare access in rural and remote areas. The project seeks to drive policy change, secure funding, and enhance childcare availability to foster economic growth and community sustainability.
Media:
- Emily Heywood-Smith | emily@capetal.com.au | 0414 596 052
- Michael Owen | michael@owenmediarelations.com.au | 0400 042 214