Hopetoun in Australia may remain without childcare for another two years
The Yarriambiack Shire Council in Victoria has called on the state government to intervene in the situation with preschool services in Hopetoun, where childcare services have been unavailable for more than two years. Shire Mayor Andrew McLean said that due to damage to the building, the local centre may not reopen for up to another two years, ABC News Australia reports.
Hopetoun, located about 400 kilometres northwest of Melbourne, was left without childcare services after Hopetoun Uniting Early Learning ceased operations in April 2024. Operator Uniting Vic Tas made the decision due to a shortage of workers.
Damaged building
In 2025, Emerge Early Years began providing childcare services and kindergarten programs in a council-owned building. Staff had already been recruited to restore childcare services in 2026. However, the centre was closed early in the year after a burst water pipe caused significant damage to the structure.
According to the council, engineering assessments confirmed the need for extensive work to stabilise the building. McLean said the soil beneath it could take about 18 months to dry out, after which repairs could take another approximately 24 weeks. The flooring was removed from the premises to allow it to dry.
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Temporary kindergarten location
Kindergarten programs, which are separate from childcare services, were temporarily moved to the Hopetoun Senior Citizens building. This decision displaced the community that had previously used the premises, but did not provide childcare for local families. This year, 27 children are enrolled in kindergarten, while at least 15 families had previously expressed interest in childcare places.
The council proposes either building a new integrated early education centre on the grounds of Hopetoun P-12 College or demolishing and rebuilding the damaged structure. In the council's view, funding could consist of the council's insurance funds and state support.
A spokesperson for the state Department of Education said the agency supports the operation of the temporary kindergarten while the council repairs the existing building. The department noted that funding and provision of childcare services fall within the federal government's remit. At the same time, the council was offered new play equipment, additional outdoor shading and secure fencing.
Beulah resident Heather Sherwell said that due to the lack of services, her partner had to reduce his working hours. According to her, when the family managed to arrange care for their daughter, the trip to the childcare location took 15 minutes one way, followed by another 20 minutes in the opposite direction to take their son to kindergarten.
