BHP will pump more funds into Hedland childcare to support struggling industry

BHP will pump a further $700,000 into Port Hedland’s strained childcare sector which has left parents seeking to open home care options to look after their own kids. Earlier this year, the Town committed to assessing childcare needs in Hedland with investigations revealing gaps in childcare services, including lack of options to suit parent’s work schedules. A subsequent report put forward 17 recommendations to address community need for additional childcare places in Hedland. At last week’s meeting, the Town reviewed the outcomes of nine recommendations, including the extension of the Hedland Senior High School and One Tree-based traineeship program, support for migration to increase the workforce and discounts for childcare workers at ToPH leisure. It also highlighted a BHP initiative to establish an au pair housing facility in Hedland. But in a letter penned to the Town, Hedland mum Sarah Gillespie said the community was in “dire” need of services, proposing a home childcare facility which would cater to seven children, including her own two kids. Last week, it was also announced BHP would extend it’s Thriving Futures educator training program for an another year by providing a further $700,000. Over two years the mining giant has splashed a total of $2.1 million towards the struggling sector. Child Australia chief executive Tina Holtom said focus needed to turn to supporting education staff to ensure long term provision in the sector. “The childcare sector is experiencing high levels of growth in new centres, alongside worsening staff supply pressures, so we expect the tension between childcare supply and demand to continue for some time,” she said. “Quite simply, the focus needs to be on developing a highly qualified, capable, supported educator workforce to ensure a long-term sustainable approach to childcare provision in the region.” Town of Port Hedland Mayor Peter Carter said progress had been made and the Town remained committed to tackling the issue.