Bassendean Mayor Defends Childcare Centre Sale Amid Community Outcry
Bassendean Mayor Kathryn Hamilton has publicly defended the controversial proposal to sell the town's long-running Wind in the Willows childcare centres, following a significant community rally opposing the move. The decision, which has sparked intense local debate, involves selling the business to a for-profit provider, affecting approximately 120 children and leaving many parents feeling blindsided by the notification.
Financial Unsustainability and Operational Challenges
Mayor Hamilton acknowledged the deep emotional connections families have with Wind in the Willows but emphasized that the service operated at a substantial loss of $361,871 in the previous financial year. She described the centres as structurally constrained and financially unsustainable, with unavoidable inefficiencies from maintaining duplicate staffing and administrative structures across two separate sites in Bassendean and Ashfield.
The Bassendean location is scheduled to close as early as mid-2026, with Ashfield following later in the year. Hamilton explained that even with a comprehensive overhaul, the most optimistic outcome would be achieving a break-even position, which would not generate funds for necessary capital renewal, particularly for the ageing Bassendean centre built in 1975.
Community Response and Unacceptable Behaviour
The announcement has led to a large community rally, with parents expressing concerns about the sale to private operator Cha Cha Cha Pty Ltd. Mayor Hamilton called for respectful dialogue, citing unacceptable behaviour directed at senior staff last week. She urged the community to consider the decision calmly and in the long-term interests of the majority of ratepayers, noting that 27% of families using the centres live outside the town.
Broader Municipal Impact and Future Considerations
Hamilton highlighted that the two centres account for about 30% of the town's total workforce, heavily relying on resources from various departments. Maintaining these ageing facilities diverts resources from other public programs and assets, she stated, emphasizing the need to weigh continuing a loss-making service against other municipal needs.
Additionally, she pointed out that the beginning of a State Government plan to trial free full-time kindergarten for four-year-olds in schools could impact enrolments at the Ashfield site, further complicating the centres' viability.
Assurances on Quality and Continuity
In response to concerns about for-profit providers, Hamilton assured that the same regulatory and quality standards apply to all approved childcare operators. The purchaser of the Wilson Street site already operates three early childhood education centres, two of which exceed national standards. This sale supports continuity of care and future investment, unlike the town's not-for-profit model, which lacks surplus for capital renewal.
A rally is planned at the Bassendean Wind in the Willows on Wilson Street for Thursday, March 5, at 3:30 pm, as community members continue to provide comments online regarding the sale.
