Weipa’s only after school hours childcare service will shut down on 10 July. Photo: Supplied.
The only outside school hours care service in Cape York’s biggest town has been shut down following a brief consultation period, leaving families in the lurch.
Centacare FNQ sent a letter to families on Wednesday (24 June), declaring the final day of operation for Weipa Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) would be Friday 10 July, at the conclusion of school term two vacation care.
The social services agency of the Catholic Diocese of Cairns pointed to “operational challenges together with workforce, regulatory and financial pressures”.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to identify any workable solutions that would adequately address the financial viability, regulatory concerns or operations risks associated with providing this remote service,” the statement reads.
Centacare first told caregivers on 11 June that it was “considering the potential closure” of the St Joseph’s service following “an extensive review” and “careful consideration of a range of options”. Families had just six days to provide feedback.
Several parents have reached out to the Cape York Weekly, concerned about how the closure would impact their family, and parents have expressed dismay on local social media channels.
Centacare said it recognised “families may need time to consider alternative care arrangements” and told caregivers: “We sincerely thank families for your participation in the consultation process and for the feedback you provided”.
“Feedback from families, employees and community stakeholders was carefully considered before a final decision was made,” the statement reads.
“This decision was not made lightly. We understand that Weipa OSHC has been an important service for children, families and the local community, and we acknowledge the impact this closure will have.
“We reviewed a number of options including suggestions raised during the consultation process … Over the past 18 months, we have made significant efforts to support the service and work towards a sustainable operating model.”
Centacare said it would support families caught up in the closure by answering questions and providing relevant information.
Centacare FNQ executive director Anita Veivers says Centacare will support families, however, Weipa has no other outside school hours care service. Photo: Supplied.
“We know how much this service means to families in Weipa and we understand the concern and disappointment this decision will cause,” executive director Anita Veivers said in a statement to this publication on Thursday (25 June).
“We have worked hard to find a way forward, but after careful consideration, we have concluded the service cannot continue in a way that is sustainable and meets the standards children, families and the community rightly expect.
“Our focus now is on supporting families and staff through this transition with care, respect and as much notice and assistance as possible.”
Centacare described the closure as “deeply disappointing” and acknowledged “the important role that outside school hours care plays in supporting children, families and local employers” in a remote community such as Weipa.
The service has run since December 2024, following the closure of a similar service in the northern Cape town.
Parents can contact Centacare director of shared services Chris Warner and Ms Veivers by emailing: [email protected].
