By Bridie Byrne
THE future of five former Wyndham ABC Learning Centres is secure, after operators were found for the childcare giant’s debt-stricken franchise.
Centres in Manor Lakes, Werribee, Werribee West, the Rose Grange and Sanctuary Lakes were deemed unviable last year and were placed on a critical list.
The Federal Government had granted the facilities a temporary reprieve, following a $34 million lifeline.
Manor Lakes was taken over by Future Kids; Sanctuary Lakes, Sewells Children’s Services; Werribee, Sydenham Preschool Trust and Kids In Care operated Rose Grange and Werribee West.
The centres were bought last week by GoodStart, a new organisation established with the backing of four not-for-profit organisations – Mission Australia, Social Ventures Australia, the Benevolent Society and the Brotherhood of St Lawrence.
The transfer of services was supported by a $15 million Federal Government loan.
Spokeswoman Maree Walk said the company would build on the work undertaken by the previous management, who had stabilised the business and restored confidence in the centres and staff.
In December last year, receivers McGrathNicol announced GoodStart as the preferred purchaser for the majority of remaining ABC centres.
@BT Intro Normal ST:GoodStart CEO Matthew Horton said last week at all of their centres it was business as usual – but better.
“Our focus is simple – children’s care and education is our priority,” he said.
“Everything we do revolves around improving quality early learning and care and creating better outcomes for Australian children.”
