Childcare Fees to Rise in Warrnambool, Australia

Strategic Insights -

The city council in Warrnambool, Australia, has voted to increase childcare fees to accommodate a 15% pay rise for childcare workers, following the council's decision to accept a two-year federal government grant. The new fees will be $140 per day, a 6.1% increase, but will be reduced for the remainder of the year. However, the fee will increase again from January 2026, with a 4.4% increase in the first year and 4.2% in the second year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The city council in Warrnambool, Australia, has voted to increase childcare fees to accommodate a 15% pay rise for childcare workers.
  • The fee will be $140 per day, a 6.1% increase, but will be reduced for the remainder of the year.
  • The council has accepted a two-year federal government grant to increase the salaries of childcare workers.
  • The grant provides funding to pay eligible staff 15% above award wages, but with a condition that limits the amount of fee increases in a financial year.
  • The new fees will apply to council-run facilities, including Florence Collins, Matron Swinton, Sherwood Park, as well as after-school and vacation care.
  • The decision was made to "retain staff and attract new staff" as the council prepares for the opening of new childcare centers in Warrnambool.

Statistics:

  • The fee increase is 6.1% for the first year, but will be reduced for the remainder of the year.
  • The fee will increase by 4.4% in the first year and 4.2% in the second year of the grant.
  • The federal government grant provides funding for a 15% pay rise for childcare workers.
  • The new childcare centers in Warrnambool are waiting to be staffed.
  • 100% of councillors voted in favour of the decision.

Sources:

  • "City council to raise fees to pay childcare workers more", The Standard, Katrina Lovell.
  • "Warrnambool Council to Accept Federal Funding to Pay Childcare Workers", Warrnambool Dispatch, Katrina Lovell.