It's been an exciting month at the Y, with the opening of two brand new state-of-the-art early learning centres in Brabham and Baldivis!
Staffed by passionate and dedicated YMCA Early Learning veterans, the centres will play a role in making affordable, quality care accessible to the families in their respective suburbs.
March 25th saw the official opening of our Brabham Early Learning Centre (ELC). Centrally located at 341 Park Street, the service will care for up to 82 children, from ages six weeks to five years.
We marked the occasion with an interactive Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by local Elder Kevin Fitzgerald. Guests in attendance included City of Swan Mayor David Lucas, and Deputy Mayor Mel Congerton. This was followed by cutting of the ceremonial ribbon.
The centre features a stunning public artwork on its external walls by local artist Leanne Bray. 'Blossoms' plays homage to the Marri Gum and its blossoms, endemic to the local Swan Coastal Plains, and likens them to the budding and blossoming young minds attending the ELC.
Centre Director Zoe Manson revealing the artwork that is displayed on the external walls of our Brabham centre
The Brabham team will be led by Centre Director Zoe Manson, a childcare professional with 14 years of experience. Zoe has a strong understanding of the childcare industry having also been Centre Director at our beloved Ashdale ELC since 2018 where she created a tight-knit community. Zoe is joined by a team of experienced and nurturing educators that are delighted to join the community.
On April 8th, we hosted an official opening event and Family Fun Day for our Baldivis centre. Situated on a picturesque one-acre site, our Baldivis ELC is custom-built to showcase the surrounding natural bush and wetlands, engage children's senses, and evoke environmental awareness and responsibility from a young age.
Kevin Fitzgerald returned for another interactive Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country for our guests, who included City of Rockingham Deputy Mayor, Hayley Edwards.
Following the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon, local families enjoyed a Family Fun Day at the centre, with various free activities, a tour of the centre, and meet and greet with our new ELC team.
The Baldivis team will be led by Centre Director Jess Church, a childcare professional with 13 years of experience in childcare, with 9 years’ experience in her previous role as Centre Director of Y WA’s acclaimed East Cannington ELC.
A sneak peek of our outdoor nature playground at Baldivis ELC
The Y WA Children’s Services General Manager Shae Welch explained that both new centres have been architecturally designed to create a natural, home-like environment, allowing children to focus on learning and preparing for school, an important aspect of our pedagogy.
“The environment aligns to our childcare philosophy and the Y’s Approach to Learning, where the focus is on nature and encouraging a curiosity around learning so that children can reach their full potential,” Shae said.
Speaking about growing the organisation’s vital community work, our CEO, Dr Tim McDonald confirmed it was the awareness of a strong community need that prompted the plans for the centres.
“We are proud to be able to bring these centres to life and provide the local families the quality care they have been seeking”, he said.