MEDIA RELEASE
For Release: Immediately
PRIORITY IN SECURING LOCAL CHILDCARE
This week Council was advised of the decision to close the Latrobe Early Learning Centre (St Patrick’s Catholic School) run by Catholic Education Tasmania. Catholic Education Tasmania advised that the closure is planned for 24 December 2025 and coincides with the need to expand their educational offerings at the school.
Mayor Peter Freshney of Latrobe Council said “securing day care and child-minding services is already challenging enough for families, not only in Latrobe but across the Northwest and almost nationwide. Childcare services allow parents to run businesses and take up employment in all industries, with peace of mind that their children are receiving the care and education they need during their early years.”
As Lady Gowrie has already shared, their purpose-built centre in Latrobe will provide up to 119 places for children planned to commence between July and September 2026.
Since Council were made aware of the final operating date by Catholic Education Tasmania, we have reached out to key stakeholders to explore options to cover the potential gap in services between January 2026 and July/September 2026 period in support of the families with care finishing up in December.
Council is currently engaging with Federal and State Government representatives, Catholic Education Tasmania and Catholic Care leaders, private sector providers and local community members in an effort to identify workable solutions for all those involved.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with all parties to explore any practical and realistic options available to us.
We are delighted that Catholic Care will continue to operate the Outside Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care Services as normal, including post closure of the early learning centre” added Mayor Freshney.
“We are aware of the need to work quickly and to keep our community informed, but also conscious of not creating false hope and causing further angst for those impacted by this decision. I greatly appreciate the emails and letters sent to me by concerned parents and I am acutely aware of the direct and indirect impact of the decision made to close the early learning centre, a decision I am sure was not taken lightly by St Patricks. We thank St Patrick’s for the wonderful care they have provided our children over many years, as they take this significant step in investing in their future here in Latrobe.
I have asked our General Manager to prioritise and personally lead Council’s role in facilitating a response to this critical issue. I am already encouraged by the positive interaction that has taken place.
I want to personally thank the incredibly caring and professional team at the Latrobe Early Learning Centre, for their continued commitment to the children in their care.”
Further updates will be provided as discussions take their course and options are explored.
ENDS
02/09/2025