Mossman child care centre shut down for good
Shire education
The trouble-plagued Mossman Goodstart childcare centre has been shut down permanently.
Centre management posted a statement online today that the early-learning complex, which has been under a cloud since temporarily closing late last year, is now closed for good.
“After many months of careful consideration, Goodstart Mossman has made the difficult decision to permanently close our Mossman centre,” the statement reads.
“Like many early learning centres in regional Australia, we have faced ongoing challenges in securing qualified educators, making it increasingly difficult to meet the staffing rations required to operate safely and consistently.
“While the centre has remained closed since late last year, we took this time to thoroughly review whether reopening could be achieved with the stability and support families deserve.
“Unfortunately it has not been possible.”
The management stated that the decision may be disappointing for some residents, especially after a period of uncertainty.
“We are deeply grateful for the patience, understanding and support shown by our families during this time.”
In March the centre roof was being repaired, with a Goodstart spokesperson telling Newsport at the time: “We are still in the process of recruiting staff and will communicate to families once we have a timeframe around reopening.”
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The childcare centre first closed in November, with management releasing an official statement that the main reasons for the closure included “staffing challenges” and “significant staff turnover”.
They said the Johnston Road centre would likely reopen in early January, but when contacted by Newsport multiple times this year they repeatedly said the date had been pushed back.
“We have been in regular contact with the 12 families who depend on our centre and have apologised for the disruption this has caused,” they said.
Several concerned Mossman residents contacted Newsport in November asking why the centre was shut.
An Education Department spokesperson said at the time the childcare centre had not been shut down by the Department, but had been voluntarily closed.
The Mossman Goodstart Early Learning Centre was at 14 Johnston Road near the Club Mossman lawn bowls complex.
