Tassie playdates: Senator Tammy Tyrrell and The Parenthood hear from local parents struggling with childcare

On Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September, Senator Tammy Tyrrell and The Parenthood are teaming up to host three playdates for local families in Launceston, Georgetown and Scottsdale. The latter are classified as “childcare deserts”, where as many as 11 children compete for every place.

On Thursday 26 and Friday 27 September, Senator Tammy Tyrrell and The Parenthood are teaming up to host three playdates for local families in Launceston, Georgetown and Scottsdale. The latter are classified as “childcare deserts”, where as many as 11 children compete for every place.  

Parents and carers are invited to bring their children along for a fun session where they can socialise and share their thoughts on improving the early learning system with one of their representatives in the Federal Senate.

PLAYDATE DETAILS:

WHEN: 

Session 1: Thursday 26 September 2024 12pm – 1.30pm 

Session 2: Thursday 26 September 3pm – 4.30pm 

Session 3: Friday 27th September 2024 3pm - 4.30pm

WHERE:

Session 1: Launceston PCYC, 146 Abbott St Newstead

Session 2: Scottsdale Library, 51 King Street 

Session 3: George Town Library, 12 Elizabeth Street

WHO: Senator Tammy Tyrrell, The Parenthood’s Maddy Butler, and local parents and families. 

WHAT TO EXPECT: Senator Tammy Tyrrell and Maddy Butler from The Parenthood want to hear about your experiences with early learning and childcare in Launceston, George Town and Scottsdale. Come and have a cup of tea and connect with other local families. There’ll be snacks for the parents, and toys for the kids. 

Children and extended family are absolutely welcome to attend. Walk-ins are also welcome. Snacks will be provided.

Media are also welcome to attend for comments from Senator Tyrrell, Maddy Butler and parents.  

Quotes attributable to Maddy Butler:

“Finding a childcare spot for your child can be a real challenge in the regions,” said Ms Butler.

“Many regional centres have two-year waitlists, and in other areas there are no services whatsoever. Regional families with young children face a massive struggle finding appropriate early childhood education and care.

“Childcare inaccessibility has huge ramifications for whole regions. Children miss out on the vital educational, social, health and wellbeing benefits that come with early learning and care. Parents and carers struggle to return to work, affecting local industries. When essential workers can’t get to work, whole towns suffer. 

“The Parenthood and Senator Tyrrell see that. 

“We hope to connect with as many local families next week to hear about how they're navigating local childcare shortages, as well as their ideas for improvements. 

“We want Tasmanian families to know they’re not alone,” said Ms Butler. 

The Parenthood launched their ‘Access for Every Child’ Rural Coalition in May this year. The Coalition is made up leading organisations spanning health, education and agriculture who recognise the desperate need for better access to early childhood education and care in the regions. Take a look at the Coalition’s Joint Statement to the Federal Government. 

Read the Parenthood’s new report, ‘Impactful’, which compiles over 160 stories of parents, carers, educators and community leaders who have been impacted by the rural childcare crisis here.