CALARE FAMILIES’ FORUM ON LOCAL CHILDCARE CRISIS

Up to 5 children compete for a childcare place in some parts of Orange and surrounding suburbs. 

Ahead of the Federal Election, The Parenthood has invited local candidates to hear from affected parents at an event on 22 March in Orange.

Kate Hook, Independent - CONFIRMED

Dr Julie Cunningham - Labor - CONFIRMED

Sam Farraway, Nationals – CONFIRMED 

Robert O’Donovan, Independent - CONFIRMED

Andrew Gee, Independent – INVITED

Jennifer Hughes, One Nation - INVITED

Ben Parker, The Greens - INVITED

Parents and carers are encouraged to drop in with their children and share their struggles with childcare directly with their potential Federal representatives.

Family-friendly food and activities will be provided. RSVP here or walk-ins are welcome.

Calare parents and carers outside of Orange are encouraged to share their feedback and questions for the candidates with The Parenthood's virtual “suggestion box”.

Media are encouraged to attend. Maddy Butler and Ami Zielinksi, Director at Central West Mums, are available for comment about the local childcare shortage in Calare.

FORUM DETAILS:

WHEN: Saturday 22 March, 3pm – 5pm. Candidates will arrive at 4pm. 

WHERE: Seniors Village Hub, 77 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800 (access via Woolworths carpark)

WHO: The Parenthood Campaign Director, Maddy Butler, local Calare candidates. 

Childcare is lacking in Calare with at least 2.39 children competing for place across the NSW electorate. Services are particularly scarce in Mudgee, Oberon, Orange and Blayney. 

The Parenthood is calling on all parties to address the national rural early childhood education and care shortage as a Federal Election priority.  

Ms Butler said that the lack of local childcare options is holding the entire region back by restricting parents’ ability to work and depriving children of educational opportunities in their most formative years. 

“Early childhood education and care is critical for setting children up for success and allowing parents to work. Without it, children, families, essential workforces and entire communities suffer,” said Ms Butler. “Families are dealing with a lot of stress and it’s not acceptable. Change at a federal level is needed.”

The event presents an opportunity for families to share their experiences with Federal candidates, and hear what their potential solutions are for the local early learning crisis in Calare. 

“We want to give local families an opportunity to explain how this is impacting them and the types of solutions that would work best for them, and the wider community,” said Ms Butler.