By LARISSA KUZEFF AND PETER DOUGLAS
OCCASIONAL childcare at Selby Community House could become a thing of the past if participation does not increase.
Despite the invaluable service offered to parents and carers in the community, this year’s minimal response means an uncertain future.
Director, Carol McCoy, has spent the past seven years devoted to developing the service.
But she fears all her hard work could be for nothing.
“Once something is lost, it’s incredibly hard to get back,” Ms McCoy said.
“I took the position on in 2008 and have built up the service, which is very important to the community.
“Now I feel like we’re back to square one.”
Occasional childcare is offered to cover the gap in long-day childcare.
The service is mostly for stay-at-home mums who are studying, or who need time to do shopping or run errands.
The program runs over Wednesday and Friday, and incorporates free play with some musical and hands-on activities.
There is an outdoor area and playground, which are sometimes used for families and special events.
Manager at the Selby Community House, Tracy Van Vloten, said to keep the service, there needed to be consistent participation.
“If we don’t have that, often these services finish up and are never offered again,” she said.
“We want to ensure the long term and allow the community to know that it is their service and their house.
“We want to ensure it reflects what the community needs are, and ensure the community knows the services available.”
The community house is encouraging parents, or even grandparents, to discover the benefits.
“The service is affordable, with the first hour free to help with transition for the child and the parent,” Ms Van Vloten said.
For more information, contact (03) 9754 2039 or email selby@selbyhouse.com.au.
