Our not-for-profit childcare centre in Lithgow that has been running for 35 years has been told by Lithgow City Council they will have to re-submit an expression of interest to continue leasing the centre’s premises.

SDN will be submitting a new expression of interest for the site but have not received terms of the EOI from council yet.

A letter sent to parents by Gumnut said the centre will be operating “business as usual” throughout the EOI process. The new lease begins in January 2018. 

It is important for our community that the choice of a not for profit childcare centre be maintained in our area. This has dire ramifications for children with disabilities, special needs and the most vulnerable in our community. 

Being the parent of a child with special needs. My son was expelled from 4 for profit privately run centres in Sydney before the age of 4; on grounds that my son was bad for their business. A not for profit organisation finally addressed my sons Autism issues, prior to him attending kindergarten and turned his life around.  

SDN also helps regulate the cost of childcare in our community. 

By signing this petition we will be sending I clear message to council that we value the not profit service we receive at SDN Gumnut and value the safety net that this service gives some of our most vulnerable in our community.

This is especially important for working single mothers who can not access the community run preschool programs due to work commitments. 

See: http://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/4786979/council-to-re-tender-gumnut-site/