Sugary smiles as Weipa OSHC celebrates its first birthday. Photo: Supplied.
As Weipa’s Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) celebrates its first birthday, nominated supervisor Kim Wallace looks back on the difference the highly in-demand service has made in the community.
“Celebrating our one year of service at our CELC (Catholic Early Learning and Care) St Joseph’s OSHC makes me feel very proud of our team and the care we are able to provide the Weipa community,” Ms Wallace said.
“Having worked with many of the children and families in the past, it was lovely to see so many familiar faces when we opened our doors on 2 December 2024.
“Opening a new service in Weipa took a dedicated team of professionals from our CELC head office in Cairns as well as St Joseph’s Parish School principal Kath Porter and Catholic Education Diocese of Cairns support.”
Ms Wallace said she had always loved working with children, including stints at St Joseph’s Parish School and the previous Cape Youth Connect OSHC at Western Cape College before it closed in January 2024.
“Some of my greatest highlights have been watching the children grow in confidence, creativity and independence, whilst building strong friendships amongst their peers,” she said.
“Seeing their smiling faces and excitement when they arrive each afternoon has been very rewarding for myself and the team.”
She now looks forward to another busy year in 2026 when the OSHC will be close to capacity.
“Enrolments have grown significantly, with sibling starting prep next year for our existing families,” Ms Wallace said.
“Staffing is often a challenge in remote locations, but we have found building a very dedicated, caring and nurturing core team of staff has been fantastic for the children and families as they get the opportunity to get to know our educators, and feel safe and secure in our care.
“In 2026, I am looking forward to continuing to support our current families as well as meeting our new prep children and new families to the service.”
She hoped to continue growing the OSHC’s network with services in Cairns, as well as local organisations.
“We had visits from the police service and ambulance service in our last vacation care; the children really enjoyed the activities.
“I am looking forward to more future community engagement in 2026 and planning some fun and exciting activities involving other services in Weipa, such as the Emergency Response Team, SES, Rio Tinto, WTA and community Elders.”
