Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa opens on Greenwood Drive, Kirwan

Townsville families needing another childcare option were pleased to see a new 94-place centre open this week in a very central location. Find out where.

Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa assistant director Madi Conrad and supervisor Larissa Wilson have welcomed families to their new, centrally-located childcare centre. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Excited Townsville families have given the thumbs up to a new childcare centre which has conveniently opened at a central location in the heart of Kirwan.

Located next to the Thuringowa Village shopping centre at 203 Greenwood Dr, Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa began welcoming children on Monday, following a 12 month construction period.

Privately owned and operated since it was founded 17 years ago, Guppy’s is one of Queensland’s leading long daycare providers, growing steadily to have 12 centres, including another Townsville childcare centre at 3 Marconi St, Wulguru.

Open 52 weeks per year, Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), Guppy’s newest 94-place long day childcare centre offers a full-range of early learning services for children from nursery to school-aged, providing vacation, before, and after school care.

The new childcare centre has struck a chord with the community, experiencing overwhelming demand for places since construction commenced.

Exterior view of Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa assistant director Madi Conrad said the most common feedback they received from visiting families was about the location.

“During the tours they’ve commented that it’s very central for them,” Ms Conrad said.

“We’re close to a shopping centre, and it’s in the heart of Kirwan, so it’s been really good for a lot of families that only live up the road … and the fact that it was quite a small but new centre, (with) not too many children, but it’s still busy.”

Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa assistant director Madi Conrad and supervisor Larissa Wilson show off the newly opened childcare centre. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Interior features of Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Offering plenty of room to play and explore, the large outdoor area is a big hit with the kids.

“I think it's the flow of everything, the space to ride the bikes, the fort, just a lot of room for imagination and creativity,” she said.

“We have a really good team on board and we’re eager to get started.”

Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa supervisor Larissa Wilson and assistant director Madi Conrad and show off the newly opened childcare centre. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa features a large outdoor play area. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Guppy’s general manager Andrew Parker said their vision was to provide exceptional childcare through personalised service to understand the parent’s and child’s needs, and then exceed their expectations.

“We have a team of experienced early childhood educators providing personalised service to support the whole family, which is complimented by leading industry trainers in childcare, centre management and workplace assessment and learning,” Mr Parker said.

Floor plan for the new Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa. Picture: Supplied.

Interior features of Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa. Picture: Leighton Smith.

“We will be looking to build on the great work done by our wonderful teams by providing extra resourcing, investment in the playgrounds and rooms and most importantly investing in the team to help them become world-class educators.”

For more information, visit: guppys.com.au.

Interior features of Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Interior features of Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Features at Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa

• Larger, well-designed rooms, catering for children from six weeks to school age and a full-

service kitchen serving nutritional meals.

• Highly qualified, experienced and passionate staff.

• Separate, age-appropriate playgrounds.

Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa features a large outdoor play area. Picture: Leighton Smith.

Exterior view of Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa. Picture: Leighton Smith.

• Modern play equipment including exciting outdoor equipment.

• Courtesy bus pick up and drop off from homes and surrounding schools.

• Huge fish tank full of Guppy’s.

• Purpose built childcare centre with lots of carparking and airconditioning.

Originally published as Guppy’s Early Learning Centre Thuringowa opens on Greenwood Drive, Kirwan