New childcare centre in Broome North expected to have space for 90 children

The State Government has moved to ease critical childcare shortages in the West Kimberley, with expressions of interest for an operator at a new facility in Broome North now open. It comes after the Advertiser reported earlier this year that there were year-long waiting lists in Broome for child care services and a Victoria University report that labelled the Kimberley a “childcare desert”. The announcement was coupled with the release of 33 residential blocks in Warranyjarri Estate in the Broome North development. The centre is planned to be built on the corner of Yako Mall and Shingoro Street, next to Broome North Primary School, and have space for up to 90 children. Community Services Minister Simone McGurk said the new centre would not only provide a place for local children to learn but also enable more parents to return to work. “This is an exciting milestone for the development of Broome North, with the childcare centre expected to play an important role in building the social infrastructure for the community and delivering educational outcomes for future generations,” she said. No date was given for when the proposed childcare facility will be operational.