Published on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 4:39:40 PM
The Town of Bassendean Council has confirmed it will continue to operate its two Wind in the Willows (WITW) early childhood education and care services until at least July 2027.
Council’s decision provides certainty for families and staff, with no changes in the provision of quality service or operating model during this period, whilst longer term options are explored.
“Our immediate priority is stability for children, families and staff, while we work carefully and transparently with the community to secure a sustainable long-term future for Wind in the Willows,” Mayor Kath Hamilton said.
To support operational sustainability, Council also endorsed preparation of the 2026/27 WITW budget with the aim of delivering financially sustainable childcare services, while retaining care standards.
Noting the feedback from parents and community members, the Town will undertake a publicly advertised Expression of Interest (EOI) process to explore transitioning Wind in the Willows to a suitable not-for-profit provider of Early Childhood Education and Childcare, to operate and manage the two WITW services from July 2027.
This EOI process will be supported by independent advice and community engagement to ensure full transparency throughout the process, while maintaining service delivery standards at the current sites.
Once the EOI process is complete, the Town will prepare a briefing for the consideration of Council and the community, before proceeding further.
The Town has also commenced discussions with State and Federal Governments seeking in-principle funding support for the future development of a new Wind in the Willows facility.
As part of longer-term planning, Council will explore options to work with a preferred not-for-profit provider to consolidate the two existing Wind in the Willows services into one new fit-for-purpose childcare facility to be located on Crown land.
Operating two separate services from older facilities with limited licensing capacity of 35 places in Ashfield and 55 places in Bassendean is recognised as inefficient. A consolidated new facility of at least 80 places would improve scale, efficiency and long-term viability.
Exploring development on Crown land would ensure no disruption to current operations, allowing for an orderly future transfer of licences and child placements if a new facility is approved and developed.
Council noted that not-for-profit providers typically have greater access to capital and grant funding than local governments, increasing the opportunities to form a partnership for the development of a new facility, potentially supported by long-term leasing arrangements. Several preliminary expressions of interest from not-for-profit and community-based providers have already been received and will be included in a future extensive public EOI process.
Council acknowledges community feedback outlining strong support for the Wind in the Willows services, a clear preference for not-for-profit or community-based management, a willingness to pay higher fees to retain service quality and calls for greater transparency and engagement.
Council confirms that processes going forward will align with newly introduced governance requirements (under the Local Government Act 1995) and improved consultation practices.
Alongside the Town’s Customer Service Charter, Council requested the development of a Transparency Statement that provides the new reforms in a clear, accessible format and to articulate the Town’s commitment to open and transparent community engagement.
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