COVID-19: An update on our Early Learning Centres

MCM welcomes the intention of the Early Childhood package announced by the Commonwealth Government last week. With a focus on sustaining childcare centres during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing families with free childcare, it hasn’t adequately considered the impact on diverse not-for-profits like MCM for whom childcare is only one component of the community services it provides. 

We are actively advocating to all levels of government and through our peak bodies for a solution to sustain our centres as MCM is not eligible for the Job Keeper wage subsidy. Without the Job Keeper wage subsidy, our early childhood education centres will be severely underfunded, and at risk of being unable to continue to operate. We are keeping staff and families updated and hope to find a solution as soon as possible. 

Last week, we made an application for an additional grant fund that the government has made for exceptional circumstances. On Tuesday, 21 April, we received confirmation that our application is being processed, but that it may take another week for us to hear a decision. We will remain open and operating this week while we wait for this decision and will let you know the outcome as soon as we can.

We appreciate the uncertainty this creates for both our staff and families attending the centre is difficult, and thank you for your ongoing support at this challenging time. Our priority is to keep our centres open, and we are doing all we can to secure the additional funding required. 

For more information, please contact our Operations Manager on 0408 559 768.