Community Outcry Over Proposed Sale of Wind in the Willows Childcare Centre in Bassendean
More than 100 children have become the focal point of a heated community battle as residents rally to halt the proposed sale of the Wind in the Willows childcare centre in Bassendean. In a letter distributed to parents on Wednesday, the Town of Bassendean announced its intention to sell the nearly 50-year-old not-for-profit childcare service to Cha Cha Cha Group Pty Ltd for $2.5 million, giving the community just two weeks to provide feedback before a final decision.
Parents Blindsided by Sudden Announcement
The news has left families reeling, with many expressing shock and dismay over the lack of consultation. Renae Murray, a mother of two children attending the centre, described the letter as conclusive and blindsiding. "The way the letter is written just kind of says they've decided to sell the childcare centre ... It's written as it's happening," she said, highlighting the emotional toll on parents who rely on the centre for trusted care.
Wind in the Willows operates at two locations in Bassendean and Ashfield, caring for approximately 120 children. Adding to the distress, the town indicated that the Bassendean site could close as early as mid-2026, with the Ashfield location following later in the year. This timeline has intensified concerns among families about finding alternative arrangements and maintaining continuity for their children.
Council's Rationale and Community Concerns
On its website, the Town of Bassendean defended the move, citing the availability of other experienced providers in the area and rising operational costs, including staffing expenses and compliance requirements, which have made the service less sustainable. The council argued that exiting the childcare sector would free up funds for core services like asset maintenance, park management, and other capital projects.
However, parents fear that transitioning from a not-for-profit to a for-profit model will compromise the quality of care. Ms. Murray pointed out that in for-profit settings, "the money has to come from somewhere," often leading to higher fees or reduced staff-to-child ratios, which can result in high staff turnover and diminished care standards. "Our children are not an asset to be sold off. They are priceless," she emphasized, reflecting the deep emotional connection families have with the centre.
Personal Stories Highlight Centre's Impact
For many families, Wind in the Willows is more than just a childcare facility; it's an integral part of their community. Ms. Murray, tearfully sharing her experience, called the centre her "extended family," noting that educators go above and beyond, even stopping for chats at the supermarket. "We don't have really a lot of family support around. They're the only people that I've trusted to care for my children," she said, underscoring the trust and support the centre provides.
Kathleen English, a mother of twins who recently started at the centre, echoed these sentiments, describing the proposal as "completely shocking and blindsiding." She praised the positive impact on her children, who have become more confident and engaged since joining. "There's something special about the community there," she added, noting that some parents attended the centre as children themselves, highlighting its long-standing role in the area.
Broader Implications and Community Action
Local parent and spokesperson Emma Barrington warned that this issue extends beyond a single centre, representing a "slow erosion of not-for-profit childcare across our communities." She stressed that not-for-profit centres reinvest every dollar into children, educators, and programs, whereas privatization could lead to a loss of community control and prioritization of profits over welfare.
Bassendean MP Dave Kelly has publicly opposed the move, stating in a social media post that "privatisation will put company profits before the welfare of kids." In response, the community has mobilized, holding a rally at the town's council chambers and launching an online petition that garnered nearly 1,000 signatures within 48 hours. Public submissions are open until 4pm on March 13, with a final decision scheduled for a special council meeting on March 31.
As the deadline approaches, families continue to advocate for the preservation of Wind in the Willows, hoping to safeguard a cherished community resource that has nurtured generations of children in Bassendean.
