The Shire of Mt Marshall operates a unique model of Family Day Care, in partnership with Willi Wag Tails, that directly employs educators, provides the premises and is responsible for all associated expenditure for two Family Day Care facilities within the Shire. The cost of providing daycare services within the Shire equates to over $230,000 per year, being 12% of the total rates income received.
Traditionally, family day care is a type of early childhood education and care where small groups of children are cared for in the home of a registered educator, where an educator can care for on average four (4) children at one time. Educators are approved, trained, and supported by a coordinating service to ensure national safety and quality standards are met.
As part of Council’s review of the Family Day Care (FDC) program, the Shire is undertaking community consultation to understand the level of value and priority ratepayers place on the service. The FDC program currently operates at a substantial net cost to the community, and it is important that Council’s decisions reflect both community expectations and long-term financial sustainability.
A structured ratepayer survey has been designed to collect feedback on:
Awareness and usage of the Family Day Care program
Community value and social benefits
Concerns regarding service continuity and the availability of childcare options locally
The consultation results will be used to:
Inform Council
Support transparent decision-making and demonstrate community engagement
Provide evidence for, strategic planning, and service reviews
Assess the alignment of the program with broader community needs and budget priorities
This approach ensures the Shire can clearly articulate ratepayer sentiment, evaluate the program’s cost–benefit contribution, and make informed decisions that balance community service delivery with financial responsibility.
The Shire of Mt Marshall operates a unique model of Family Day Care, in partnership with Willi Wag Tails, that directly employs educators, provides the premises and is responsible for all associated expenditure for two Family Day Care facilities within the Shire. The cost of providing daycare services within the Shire equates to over $230,000 per year, being 12% of the total rates income received.
Traditionally, family day care is a type of early childhood education and care where small groups of children are cared for in the home of a registered educator, where an educator can care for on average four (4) children at one time. Educators are approved, trained, and supported by a coordinating service to ensure national safety and quality standards are met.
As part of Council’s review of the Family Day Care (FDC) program, the Shire is undertaking community consultation to understand the level of value and priority ratepayers place on the service. The FDC program currently operates at a substantial net cost to the community, and it is important that Council’s decisions reflect both community expectations and long-term financial sustainability.
A structured ratepayer survey has been designed to collect feedback on:
Awareness and usage of the Family Day Care program
Community value and social benefits
Concerns regarding service continuity and the availability of childcare options locally
The consultation results will be used to:
Inform Council
Support transparent decision-making and demonstrate community engagement
Provide evidence for, strategic planning, and service reviews
Assess the alignment of the program with broader community needs and budget priorities
This approach ensures the Shire can clearly articulate ratepayer sentiment, evaluate the program’s cost–benefit contribution, and make informed decisions that balance community service delivery with financial responsibility.