A survey organised by Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has highlighted the dire state of childcare in the region, with responses from all over the electorate sharing similar concerns.
The survey, which was launched in June and remains open to responses, asked members of the community several questions about their experiences accessing childcare.
Responses have been received from major towns across the electorate such as Avenel, Benalla, Broadford, and Rushworth, as well as other smaller towns in the region.
Ms Cleeland said the survey was created so that impacted members of the community would be able to have their voice heard, and that responses could be taken to Parliament to create meaningful change in the region.
“There are far too many people in our community who are struggling to access childcare options,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The responses from this survey will give us something to take to Parliament as we continue to fight for more childcare in our region.
“We’ve already campaigned for Avenel to receive a new childcare centre but the issues extend across the entire electorate.
“Our major towns aren’t inaccessible backwaters, but they are placed at a disadvantage when childcare is so rare.”
Ms Cleeland said the lack of childcare facilities were preventing parents from returning to the workforce at a time where the cost of living was rapidly rising.
“From both the survey and my conversations in the community, it is clear there are so many parents wanting to get back into the workforce but can’t because they are unable to get their kids into childcare,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This is a real handbrake for our community and places a hurdle in front of young people who want to raise their family in the country.”
Some of the issues raised in the responses included multi-year waitlists, a lack of childcare providers in their town, and families relocating to other areas to access better childcare options.
The responses shared overwhelmingly negative experiences, with 100 per cent of respondents saying they had been adversely impacted by access to childcare in the region.
Similarly, 100 per cent of respondents shared that the limited childcare options had resulted in them being unable to get back to work or training to a level that they would like.
Of those that were working, the responses highlighted a significant reliance on family and friends for childcare due to limited options in the area. 54 per cent of respondents relied on family and friends a “great deal”, while 85 per cent were relying on family and friends for some form.
The survey can be completed online at http://www.annabellecleeland.com.au/petitions/.
