Angry parents hit out at Western Bulldogs childcare changes

The Western Bulldogs have come under fire from fuming families who fear a not-for-profit childcare centre at Whitten Oval could be forced to close to make way for a private provider.

Parents fear a not-for-profit childcare centre at Whitten Oval will be forced to close to make way for a private daycare provider. Picture: Tony Gough

The Western Bulldogs have come under fire from fuming families who fear a not-for-profit childcare centre at Whitten Oval could be forced to close to make way for a private provider.

The outcry comes after a council decision to let the Bulldogs vary the terms of the lease for a childcare centre within the Whitten Oval precinct.

Previous requirements meant the Bulldogs Community Children’s Centre had to house a not-for-profit childcare provider, but with the new terms they will now be able to source a for profit partner.

A petition has begun circulating from concerned community members which has already gained over 600 signatures calling for the decision to be reversed.

“Our not-for-profit centre is at risk of closing because the Bulldogs want to make more money (from) a new, private daycare provider,” the petition reads.

The Western Bulldogs say no decision has been made on the future childcare provider at Whitten Oval. Picture: Tony Gough

The Bulldogs have since released a statement that claimed the decision was made to “provide certainty regarding the continuation of childcare services at the Whitten Oval site”.

“The Club’s mandate for this site is to provide the best possible childcare environment for children and their families, with the updated head lease terms helping to ensure this outcome is achieved,” it read.

“No decision has yet been made on the future childcare provider at the Whitten Oval site.

“We understand that any uncertainty about continuity of care can cause concern for parents so we would like to reassure parents that no disruption to service of any kind is contemplated.”

The current lease expired last year, and the Western Bulldogs are looking to secure a new 10-year deal.

The Maribyrnong City Council said the decision was made in the best interest of the community.

“The proposed lease offers significant long-term benefits to the community,” they said.

“The proposed condition will enable some flexibility to the Western Bulldogs that demonstrates the best value and outcomes for local families, while ensuring costs remain affordable and service quality remains high.”

The daycare was built by the club 15 years ago when they received $1.5 million in state and federal government funding.

With non-profit childcare provider ECMS providing the service since 2009.

A formal consultation process is currently taking place with concerned community members able to make a written submission to council until July 22.

Originally published as Angry parents hit out at Western Bulldogs childcare changes