Published on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at 12:19:33 PM
The Town of Bassendean Council has resolved to adopt updated fees for Wind in the Willows for the 2026/27 financial year, to maintain service stability ahead of a planned transition after July 2027.
From 1 July 2026, the daily fee will be $192 per child, with a discounted rate of $179 per child per day for families whose children attend Wind in the Willows for a minimum of four days per week. The updated fees are designed to maintain service standards and support staff continuity in the interim, while improving the service’s financial sustainability.
The two-tier fee structure is intended to encourage more consistent occupancy levels across all operating days, while supporting greater overall use of the service. The discounted rate for children attending four or more days per week recognises the needs of families who rely on Wind in the Willows for full-time or near full-time care and helps moderate the impact of the fee increase on higher-usage families.
The endorsed fee structure also responds to the need to reduce the financial burden on Town of Bassendean ratepayers who do not directly use the service, while ensuring families who do use Wind in the Willows continue to receive quality care.
Notably, around 27% of children enrolled at Wind in the Willows do not reside within the Town, meaning ratepayers have been contributing to the cost of care for families outside the district.
Current modelling assumes an 80% occupancy rate, which is the highest level achieved under the current model but has not been consistently maintained. Occupancy below this level results in financial losses, reinforcing the need for a sustainable pricing model.
Mayor Kath Hamilton said the decision strikes an important balance.
“This ensures families continue to receive the standard of care they expect, while reducing the financial burden on the wider community,” said Mayor Hamilton.
“It allows us to responsibly manage the service and support staff as we move towards the next phase.”
Wind in the Willows will continue to operate under Council management until at least July 2027, with a focus on maintaining quality, stability and financial responsibility where possible during this period.
As part of planning for the next stage, the Town has issued a Request for Quotation (RFQ) to engage an independent expert to design and manage a future public Expression of Interest process.
The RFQ is not about selecting a new childcare provider. Instead, it will appoint a suitably qualified consultant or organisation to help the Town explore not-for-profit and community-based options, prepare information, manage enquiries, assist with assessments and support future community engagement.
The RFQ has been issued in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995 (WA), the Local Government (Functions and General) Regulations 1996 and the Town’s procurement policies and procedures. The preferred candidate is expected to be engaged from around June 2026.
Any potential transition to a not-for-profit provider would be subject to a future decision by Council, with further opportunities for the community to receive information and stay updated as the project progresses.
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