BHP and Wanslea enter long-term partnership to support Pilbara childcare industry with $5000 grants program

Two big players in mining and childcare have struck a long-term deal to help the Pilbara’s struggling childcare industry. The partnership between BHP and Wanslea will encourage family daycare educators to become family daycare providers by transforming their homes to accommodate an expanded childcare service. The $5000 grants cover equipment, training, and development to help childcare workers succeed in the new and expanded role. BHP asset president Western Australia Iron Ore Brandon Craig said he hoped the initiative would address the region’s struggling childcare sector. “We’re really pleased to partner with Wanslea and build on our work to improve childcare in our communities — we hope this will make a big difference to families in regional towns like Newman and Port Hedland who are currently waiting up to two years for childcare placements,” Mr Craig said. “By supporting the partnership we’re also aiming to break down the barriers that limited childcare has on attracting and retaining workers, and achieving our goal of a gender-balanced workforce in the next few years.” Wanslea is responsible for the management of the program. Company CEO Jo Sadler said the company was excited about the role it would play in assisting Pilbara families. “Wanslea is so excited to be joining forces with BHP in the Pilbara, to help children and families in the local community access early learning services,” Ms Sadler said. Wanslea supports children and young people to grow and develop safely and we very much look forward to assisting families in the Pilbara through our provision of quality Family Day Care services.”