FOR the dozens of families on the waiting list for before- and after-school care at Burraneer Activity Centre, any additional federal funding to provide places and activities would be welcome.
The community-based non-profit centre in the grounds of Burraneer Bay Public School has operated since 1992 in a small, disused room.
The centre offers 45 spaces each morning and afternoon session, where children receive breakfast or afternoon tea, do craftwork, have structured or free outdoor play sessions, take part in indoor games and activities, or just chill out.
With up to 15 children on the waiting list for each session, the centre's co-ordinator Aleisha Bailey has been trying to expand the service for three years.
She applied for and won a state government grant for $105,000 and bought a demountable that was placed in the school grounds.
It has since been refurbished and she hopes it will finally be in use this year.
But while the centre had effectively self-funded the 15 extra morning and afternoon spaces it hoped to offer, Ms Bailey said she welcomed any additional funding for programs (see story far right).
The centre already receives funding under the federal government's Active After School Communities program to provide free sports coaching to children two afternoons a week.
She welcomed the possibility of music or other programs but said it was important individual centres had the right to choose.
"As long as there is clarification of what the funding is going to go to," she said.
"I think it's good if there are other programs that are available to them."
Do you use before- and after- school care?
Women’s business group wants solutions for childcare ‘crisis’
THE Australian Women Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AWCCI) launched a community service announcement last month to put the cost of childcare on the political agenda ahead of the federal election.
The television and radio campaign highlights the average cost of childcare and take home pay of working mothers and reveals most mums are left with $160 after costs.
The campaign urges political leaders to address childcare affordability in the lead up to the poll.
Changes to childcare teacher qualifications due to come into effect on January 1 are expected to lead to a jump in costs.
Some centres have already moved to raise their fees.
The Leader reported recently that childcare costs at Sutherland Shire Council-run centres were due to rise $25 a week from July 1 for children in full-time care, or $5 a day.
‘‘This isn’t just an issue for parents because an efficient, flexible and affordable childcare system can also build a productive, prosperous and stable national economy,’’ AWCCI chief executive Yolanda Vega said.
‘‘If Mr Rudd is serious about productivity and working together he must include women in the equation and therefore address the national childcare crisis.’’
A paper released by the AWCCI showed demand for childcare was growing 13 times faster than supply and quoted a recent survey that revealed most long day care centres in capital cities did not have vacancies for babies.
Details: www.awcci.org.au
