It might be called Mumma’s Little Secret, but news of the new supervised play area at Westfield Miranda spread quickly on social media and by word of mouth.
Sisters Toula and Athena Saffo, who started the service, say they know from their own experience how hard it can be to shop with children in tow.
Toula Saffo, who has four children aged 10 months to nine years, came up with the idea of creating a safe environment which kids can enjoy for an hour or two while their parents or carers shop or attend to other needs.
Ms Saffo suggested it to her sister, a mother of two, who has a masters degree in early childhood education.
They sounded out other mothers before approaching Westfield,
“Westfield are very excited – this is the first one they have had,” Ms Saffo said.
Westfield described the operation as “revolutionising the shopping experience for both parents and children”.
Ms Saffo said they had received “overwhelming positive feedback” since opening on July 1.
“We have even had customers travel from Bankstown and Penrith because they read about us on Facebook,” she said.
“Parents have told us they believe, because we are both mums, we understand the need and have gone above and beyond to provide a fun, safe and reliable service.”
Westfield are very excited – this is the first one they have had
- Toula Saffo
The play area, outside Myer on the top level, caters for children from six months to 12 years
The cost is $15 an hour, and it is a condition parents and carers remain in the shopping centre.
The sisters, who live locally, believe their experience as mothers as well as their professional backgrounds – Toula is a chartered accountant – made them a good team.
Their initiative received many positive comments on the Leader’s Facebook page, where several readers also praised Wombat Occasional Care Centre, which is located behind the council library, adjoining Westfield.
Wombat has operated since 1979 as a not-for-profit venture, and is managed by a parents committee.
“We are licensed and have regulations, which is very different to creche services,” director Sarah Grinham said.
Children can attend for periods ranging from one hour to a full day.
Hourly rates are $9 for children aged under two and $8.50 for those who are older, with special rates for people in receipt of pensions.
