Mullumbimby locals are concerned that a vital, Council-run out of school hours child care service could shut after Byron Council issued a survey hinting at closure.
But Council staff say ‘no decision’ had been made about the future of the service, and that the survey was simply an attempt to better understand the needs of local families.
Byron Shire Council operated the OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) service at Mullumbimby Public School until the February floods, which forced it to be temporarily relocated to St John’s Primary School.
With Mullumbimby Public still affected by flood damage, the service is unlikely to be able to return to its traditional home this year.
Locals say it is an essential service, enabling parents to balance work and childcare responsibilities.
But the release of a survey by the Council last month has raised significant concerns among parents.
‘I’m extremely concerned about possible closure of such an essential service,’ said one local who asked not to be named.
‘The standard of care and education there is amazing and I think it’s an amazing thing for our kids.’
Low occupancy
A Council spokesperson told The Echo the service had experienced low occupancy rates for some time, and that the survey was part of ‘normal business processes and planning for the next financial year’.
‘We would like to understand why and if there’s anything we can do to better serve our community,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Byron Shire Council sought feedback from families through the principals of Mullumbimby Public School and St John’s about the type of OSHC services the Mullumbimby community needs.
‘Consultation is also underway with families from Shearwater and the Hinterland College.’
Parents believe that occupancy rates at the service would increase if more parents were made aware of its existence and the opportunities for government support.
This includes a $500 voucher for child care that has been offered by the State Government via Service NSW.
Bus services needed
Parents also believe that providing a bus service to St John’s from surrounding schools would make it easier for families and their kids to access the service.
They are encouraging people to get a copy of the survey from their school and use that to let the Council know how much the community values the service.
The spokesperson said that decision about the future viability of the service had been made and that ‘should a decision be required on the viability of the service it will be reported to Council for consideration’.
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