Willoughby Council to outsource Devonshire Street Childcare centre amid parent opposition

A Sydney council is facing fury from parents over a controversial move to privatise a long-running community childcare centre – but the local mayor says the decision is a “win”.

Local parents have spoken out about the decision to outsource the operation of the centre.

A north shore council is facing fury from local parents over a controversial move to outsource a long-running community childcare centre.

A community campaign to save the Devonshire Street Childcare Centre from privatisation has come to an end after councillors made the decision to outsource the Chatswood-based facility.

The decision was made during a four hour Willoughby Council meeting attended by more than 300 parents and children who rallied for the facility to remain in public hands.

Jia Mei Liu was among the local parents who strongly opposed the council’s plans for the centre, saying it could impact working parents already struggling with cost of living pressures.

“The centre plays a vital role in providing accessible and affordable childcare in our community,” she said. “It’s not just a place where children are looked after, it’s a hub for learning, social interaction and community engagement.

A photo of the centre.

“Outsourcing it could result in increasing stress and difficulties in securing childcare, impacting working parents and their contribution to the local economy.”

Similar concerns were raised by parent Jason Sa who believes the privatisation will result in a decline in the quality of care offered at the centre.

Local families have attended council meetings to oppose the move.

The facility is the last childcare centre to be operated by the council and has served families in Chatswood for 36 years.

“One of the main reasons we chose Devonshire St is because it is run by the people who have the people of Willoughby and childrens’ best interest at heart,” Mr Sa said.

“The centre educators provide a sense of security and care – it’s scary to think all this could change because of a decision the council makes.”

The decision to accept a tender for the private operation of the centre was based on a close vote of councillors with five supporting it, and five opposing it. Mayor Tanya Taylor used her casting vote to accept the tender.

A photo of parents who have rallied against outsourcing the centre.

Multiple councillors who supported the privatisation raised concerns over the long-term economic viability of the facility which caters for 72 families.

A report by council states outsourcing the facility would “assist the council’s financial sustainability” and “guarantee ongoing quality care to families”.

The report also shows the facility made a $364,000 loss in 2021/22 and requires more than $400,000 in upgrades to bring up to modern standards.

However, many parents have noted several other council-run facilities that operate for the community benefit also run at a loss, including Willoughby Leisure Centre.

Many parents have opposed the council’s decision.

Councillor Anna Greco – who opposed the sell off – said the centre played a vital role in supporting families in the diverse suburb of Chatswood, including those whose first language is not English.

“It’s much more than a childcare centre – it’s a service and home for people who need it and to outsourcing the centre without knowing what the consequences are is wrong,” she said.

Mayor Tanya Taylor said the leasing decision was a “win for families, staff, residents and ratepayers.”

“I respect the views of the many parents and indeed children who spoke at council meetings and wrote and spoke to councillors and staff ahead of this decision,” Ms Taylor said in a statement.

Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor.

“Under this agreement, the centre’s current philosophy of care, along with its curriculum, cultural education programs and fee schedule will all be maintained.

“In addition, the centre’s current staffing model will remain in place with staff offered continued employment with the new provider.”

The United Services Union – which represents staff of the centre – is now lobbying for councillors to put forward a rescission motion to maintain the centre in public ownership.

United Services Union organiser Thomas Gao said the council’s decision was a “case of the council riding roughshod over the interests of the community and ignoring the pleas of parents to maintain a successful centre to care for their children”.

The council in a statement said it would release the name of the successful tenderer once the lease agreement is finalised.