General News
20 February, 2025
Hopetoun and Beulah childcare set to reopen
After months of dedicated efforts, Beulah and Hopetoun Early Years Services are on track to reopen with final licensing procedures nearing completion.
The Hopetoun UnitingVic Tas Early Learning Centre, which temporarily closed in April 2024 due to staff shortages is now preparing for a fresh start under a new model.
Emerge Early Years Services (Emerge) and Yarriambiack Shire Council have been working behind the scenes to ensure a sustainable solution for the centre.
Emerge chief executive officer Elicia Napoli confirmed that a co-located model offering both sessional kindergarten and childcare services under one provider will be the key to long-term success.
“We are one step closer to this becoming a reality, with the final procedures of the licence transfer nearing completion,” Ms Napoli said.
“It is anticipated that within the next 28 days, the licences for the Hopetoun and Beulah Kindergartens, and the Uniting Vic Tas Childcare will be surrendered, and a new licence issued for Emerge to operate these services.”
With licensing changes underway, recruitment will soon follow.
Ms Napoli confirmed that advertising will begin once approvals are in place.
At the same time, Emerge will apply for childcare subsidy funding to support operations.
“If everything proceeds smoothly we are optimistic that the long daycare centre could be opened by the middle of term two,” Ms Napoli said.
Danielle Thompson, Manager of Early Years and Transition, working across both Emerge and Yarriambiack services, said teams have been preparing the centre for its reopening.
“We have been diligently preparing for the reopening by cleaning out the building, improving the yard, and repainting and refreshing the centre,” Ms Thompson said.
“We want to assure the community that the reopening of this service has been a top priority for both Yarriambiack and Emerge,” she said.
Ms Thompson also announced that Emerge will revamp its Early Learning Centre logo and will invite community members to participate in the design process.
“Please stay informed through the council and Emerge social media pages as well as the local newspaper for invitations to contribute to the new logo design,” she said.
Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive officer Tammy Smith said we were planning for reopening since the closure.
“Since the doors closed, Emerge and the council have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to reopen the childcare, with a focus on a sustainable solution going forward,” she said.