River Region Early Education (RREE) and Edward River Council have joined forces to push the plans forward, to help ease a long-running childcare access crisis which shows no signs of letting up any time soon.
Council has this week agreed to lease Perrin Park in west Deniliquin to RREE for “peppercorn rent” - usually $1 a year.
Mayor Ashley Hall said this is a significant milestone in addressing the urgent childcare shortage in Deniliquin.
Council identified childcare access as the number one community priority, with more than 300 children currently on local waitlists, representing more than 70 per cent of children aged 0-5 without access to formal care.
Following a review of council-owned and private-owned land, Perrin Park was identified as the most suitable and appropriately zoned site for the proposed centre.
The site offers excellent accessibility and space for a purpose-built facility that meets planning and operational needs.
Council will be ensuring the design of the building and car park will not impact on the area during heavy rainfall events, which may affect the proposed facility or surrounding properties.
Cr Hall said the decision reflects council’s commitment to supporting families and strengthening the community.
“This is a win for our community,” he said.
“We know the lack of childcare is holding families back and limiting workforce participation.
“By progressing this lease arrangement, we’re enabling a trusted not-for-profit provider to deliver a long-term solution that will benefit generations to come.”
Council has also been working in partnership with RREE to secure funding and approvals for the project.
To date, $1 million has been secured from Origin Energy, with further government and industry contributions actively pursued.
RREE general manager Felicity Michael said the proposed facility would be in addition to the services already provided by RRE in the community.
From its Whitelock St location, RREE already provides 55 childcare place, 44 preschool places and 25 mobile daycare places. It also has a 64-place facility at Barham.
The proposed new centre would offer 110-places for 0-5 year-olds, with the majority available for the 0-3 year age groups.
“The demand for care is just so high, and we know that 0-3 age group is most in need,” she said.
"Importantly, we have a workforce strategy on training our own people - supporting and upskilling staff.
“We will also need to recruit for the new centre, and perhaps from outside the area, but there are workforce plans in place using our already proven models.”
While the delivery of the centre is reliant on funding being sources, Mrs Michael said “best case scenario” that construction could start late next year with the aim to open in 2028.
“We are working hard to put the case that we are in a childcare desert.
“As a not for profit organisation, River Region Early Education does not have the resources to fund the facility ourselves so we will be reliant on funding.
“We’re talking with all levels of government, and philanthropic pathways will be looked at as we progress.
“This will be a community resource for the wellbeing of our families.”
Mrs Michael expressed appreciation to ERC for its support to date, and continued commitment toward finding solutions to the childcare crisis.
“We are thrilled to see council take this important step,” she said.
“A 110-place centre will make a real difference for families in Deniliquin and surrounding areas.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Council to bring this project to life as quickly as possible.”
Under the proposed peppercorn lease, Council would retain ownership of the land, while RREE would construct, operate and maintain the facility.
A formal lease agreement will now be developed and presented to council for consideration and approval before execution.
This initiative aligns with Edward River Council’s Community Strategic Plan priorities, including creating caring, connected communities, supporting education and fostering a strong, sustainable economy.
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