ACTION 5 – CHILDCARE ALLIANCE
This forms part of the Central Highlands Workforce Development and Accommodation Strategy.
CHDC to engage with and develop business case to expand the Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA) into the Central Highlands region with focus on Blackwater as the first priority area.
CLA to be formally invited to address the WAC at its first meeting in June 2024.
The WAC with the CLA would be utilised to investigate whether additional centres are needed, where and how they should be developed.
◼ TIMEFRAME: CLA discussions to commence by 1 June 2024. Business Case to be finalised by 1 September 2024.
PROGRESS REPORT
A meeting with Astute, CLA’s Executive Management, took place on May 1st, 2024 to begin conversations around collaboration opportunities for the Central Highlands region.
Astute invited to attend the July WAC meeting.
The third WAC was held on Thursday, 18 July 2024, with guest speaker Mel Comerford from Astute Early Learning discussing the Childcare Leadership Alliance and the recruitment strategy they implemented for Moranbah and Dysart. Several childcare centres from within the region were also in attendance. The presentation and strategies were well received from WAC members and attendees from the childcare industry in region.
August 9th CLA provide CHDC with the next step, identified as Phase 1 – Assessment & Analysis with a primary focus on childhood education and care in Blackwater and Emerald.
On August 12th, CHDC submitted an application for funding under the GYO (Grow Your Own) Regional Workforce Program Round 3 to kick start Action 5 of the WDAS—Childcare Leadership Alliance in the Central Highlands.
On 18 September, CHDC secured funding under the Grow Your Own (GYO) Regional Workforce Program Round 3, administered by Jobs Queensland through DESBT. The funding will support Phase 1 of the Childcare Leadership Alliance in the Central Highlands, which supports the primary focus on childhood education and care in Blackwater and Emerald.
On 25 November, CHDC, CLA, Infinitum, and the ECEC stakeholders will meet to discuss the project and next steps.
