Parents using the Town of Bassendean's Wind in the Willows childcare centres are set to face higher fees as the council moves to keep the service running without relying on ratepayer subsidies.
Sale Collapse After Community Outcry
The decision follows the collapse of a proposed sale of the centres in Bassendean and Ashfield. The private buyer, Cha Cha Cha Group Pty Ltd, withdrew its $2.5 million offer in March after strong community backlash. Parents felt blindsided by the short consultation period, with only a fortnight to provide feedback. A total of 243 public submissions were lodged, and around 200 people attended a special meeting of electors in March.
The town had informed parents that the Bassendean location would close mid-2026 and Ashfield late-2026 if the sale proceeded.
Financial Losses and Fee Increases
Despite calling off the sale, the town highlighted the service's financial losses. The two centres recorded a $361,000 deficit last year, equivalent to approximately $50 per rateable property. To address this, the council will consider increasing fees in the 2026/27 financial year so the service no longer requires a ratepayer subsidy.
Many families opposed the private sale but acknowledged the financial pressures. Some indicated they would be willing to pay higher fees to maintain quality care. However, parents also raised concerns about the quality of care, staff stability, and transparency in the town's decision-making.
Community Response and Future Plans
An online petition garnered over 1,500 signatures, and two community rallies drew hundreds of parents and children in response to the sale proposal. The now-abandoned sale process had involved due diligence by Cha Cha Cha Group, but the company formally withdrew its bid on March 24 following the consultation period and community response. Council subsequently cancelled the sale entirely, meaning the centres will remain under town operation in the short term.
The town has stated it does not see childcare as a long-term core function and is exploring alternative models to ensure sustainability. This includes seeking a partnership with a not-for-profit provider and investigating the potential for a new, modern childcare facility—possibly on Crown land—if funding can be secured. The town has already reached out to State and Federal representatives for support, though funding opportunities are expected to be limited and highly competitive.
Motions and Advisory Group
At the special meeting of electors, several community-driven motions were tabled, including a call for the mayor to formally apologise over how the proposed sale was handled. Town officers said the mayor had already apologised at a former meeting, which is on public record. Another motion pushed for the creation of a family, staff, and community advisory group to help guide the centres' future. Town officers recommended against this, citing legislative complexity and resourcing constraints.
For now, the immediate outcome is that the centres will stay open, but at a higher cost to families. It is not clear how much the fees are set to increase at this stage. Council will make their official decision at their meeting on April 28.
