State Government commitment brokered by MLA Jane Kelsbie gives final funding for Augusta childcare group

The State Government has tipped another $200,000 into a new community-run childcare centre in Augusta.

The money trumpeted by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie this week helps secure the future for the Augusta and Districts Community Childcare group which recently squeezed $100,000 out of the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River.

A shire council meeting in June was told the volunteer-run group, which had a potted history since 2019 establishing its operations at a Department of Communities-owned site on Hillview Road, was still short at least $50,000.

The shire initially sought to loan the group $50,000 and gift $50,000, leaving community members perplexed at the fundraising burden on the group providing a vital service for the childcare-starved hamlet.

Ms Kelsbie told the Times she moved to secure the extra $200,000 to give the operation certainty and so the volunteer committee could get on with providing the service and looking to the future.

“Since 2021, I have been working alongside ADCC to secure a childcare service for the Augusta community,” she said.

“I am proud to have advocated as a member of the Cook Government for this additional funding, which has seen more than half a million dollars invested into my initial $100,000 election commitment.

“This facility will be a game changer for Augusta, giving local residents more flexibility to live and work in the community they love.”

ADCC spokeswoman Jasmine Meagher said the group was grateful for the support.

“The board were so delighted with the further $200,000 funding announcement from the State Government,” she said.

“The State Government, through the advocacy and tireless efforts of Jane Kelsbie, have continued to back this project from day one.

“With this funding now secured we will be looking to commence build works.”

The old house needed urgent repairs and work to fit capacity, with ADCC swamped not just by community support, but requests for childcare places in addition to the holiday care program already running.

The latest injection brings the State Government’s contribution up to $550,000.

Ms Kelsbie said the extra money was warranted due to building cost increases during recent months.

The service was expected to provide places for 30 children and employ at least eight workers overall.