Beulah & Hopetoun Early Years Update
Published on 10 February 2025
In April 2024, the Hopetoun Uniting Vic Tas Early Learning Centre regretfully had to temporarily shut its doors, due to a lack of available qualified staff. Tammy Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Yarriambiack Shire Council confirmed “that since the doors closed, Emerge Early Years Service (Emerge) and the Council have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to reopen the childcare, with a focus on a sustainable solution going forward”.
Elicia Napoli, Chief Executive Officer of Emerge confirmed that “a co-located model hosting both sessional kindergarten and childcare services, managed by one provider within the same establishment, stands as the most viable strategy for the future and is the optimal path for the centre's reopening going forward.”
Ms. Napoli confirmed, “We are one step closer to this becoming a reality, with the final procedures of the licence transfer nearing completion. 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.”
"We then plan to commence advertising to recruit staff for our long day care centre in Hopetoun. During the recruitment phase, we will also be applying for childcare subsidy funding to facilitate the operation of the childcare centre. If everything proceeds smoothly, we are optimistic that the long daycare centre could be opened by the middle of term two”, stated Ms. Napoli.
Danielle Thompson, Manager of Early Years and Transition, working across both Emerge and Yarriambiack services, confirmed, "We have been diligently preparing for the reopening by cleaning out the building, improving the yard, and repainting and refreshing the centre."
“We want to assure the community that the reopening of this service has been a top priority for both Yarriambiack and Emerge”.
Ms. Thompson also stated, "In collaboration with the community, we will be revamping our Early Learning Centre logo and inviting the community 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."
On behalf of Yarriambiack Shire and Emerge Early Years Services, we extend our gratitude to the Hopetoun and District community for their patience and understanding during the application, approval, and re-opening process. Your support has been greatly appreciated, and we look forward to continuing to deliver a high-quality education and care program to our community.