• Williamstown, Altona, Laverton Star

By Kate Bonsack

2nd December 2008 11:06:37 AM

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THE future of the Altona North ABC Learning Centre is uncertain after the company’s receiver announced last week it was one of 348 centres to be under operational review.

However, the Williamstown and Altona ABC Learning Centres will remain open, along with another 654 centres across Australia.

Hobsons Bay City Council director of community services Peter Hunt said it was welcome news that the Williamstown and Altona ABC Centres would remain open as demand for childcare in Hobsons Bay was already exceeding available places.

He said that unfortunately if the Altona North centre closes, families from the centre would have to join the council’s long waiting list for childcare places.

“However, Five Star Childcare, a privately owned centre has vacancies available,” he said.

McGrathNicol receiver Chris Honey, who took voluntary administration of ABC last month, said with respect to the 348 centres under review, he needed more time to examine these centres in more detail, and to ensure that the correct decision on their future was made.

“I have written to parents and staff at these centres to emphasise that this does not mean their centre will necessarily be closed.

“It simply means we need more time to examine possible performance improvement initiatives.

“We continue to work closely and productively with the government on a plan focussed on providing childcare places for ABC families into the New Year.”

A full, initial list of the centres that will continue to operate into 2009 and those that remain under review have been posted on www.childcare. com.au Five Star Childcare can be contacted on 8360 8828.

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