This holiday season, the Y WA’s Baldivis Early Learning Centre (ELC) is embracing the festive spirit in a unique and sustainable way. The ELC is hosting an exciting Christmas competition that will see staff and children of all ages come together to create imaginative, environmentally friendly holiday displays made entirely from recycled materials.
The project, which involves four rooms at the centre is designed to foster creativity while embedding the important values of sustainability. Families and local businesses have generously donated materials for the initiative, including milk cartons, egg cartons, and cardboard boxes.
Amanda Broad, Director of Baldivis Early Learning Centre, shared her excitement about the project, "At Baldivis ELC, we are passionate about sustainability, and this competition is a wonderful way to engage our children in both creativity and environmental responsibility. Our educators have been busy planning their displays, and the children are already so excited to see what they can create using everyday materials. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the holiday season while reinforcing important lessons about reusing and recycling."
Each room will be transforming their space into a festive wonderland, with ideas ranging from a Winter Wonderland igloo built from milk cartons to Santa’s Village crafted from boxes. The displays will be created during the first week of December, and children will have the chance to engage in hands-on experiences that help develop fine motor skills and cognitive abilities.
Amanda added, "The Christmas competition brings a bit of friendly rivalry to the centre. It’s not just about creating beautiful decorations—it’s about sparking imagination and encouraging our children to explore their creative potential. And of course, there’s a prize! The winning room will receive a certificate, a budget for new resources, and the coveted bragging rights for the year!"
The competition is part of the centre’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, which was recently recognised by the Y Australia’s Sustainability Awards. Baldivis ELC won the Y Australia Sustainability Award for their ‘outstanding commitment to embedding sustainability into everyday education.’ Through recycling, creative reuse, nature walks, and a thriving veggie garden, children at the centre learn to care for the environment in meaningful, hands-on ways.
As part of their commitment to early childhood education, Baldivis Early Learning Centre is also offering families the opportunity to participate in the School ReadY Program. This initiative, available at all 14 Y ELCs, supports children in developing skills in oral language, pre-literacy, early numeracy, and social-emotional wellbeing.
For families looking to join the Baldivis ELC community, the centre is currently offering a 'Refer a Friend' incentive, providing existing families the chance to earn up to $500 for both referring families and new enrolees.
For more information about the School ReadY Program or the Refer a Friend incentive, contact Baldivis Early Learning Centre at (08) 9548 7020.
Taking effect from January 2026, The Australian Government is replacing the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) Activity Test with the 3 Day Guarantee. This will guarantee at least 3 days of subsidised early childhood education and care (ECEC) each week for children who need it, regardless of parents’ activity levels.