Windermere Early Learning Centre in Frankston is a community run organisation that has been supporting local families in the area for over 10  years. Staff at the child care centre, which is owned and operated by the Windermere not-for profit organisation, were informed at 7pm last night that the centre is considering closing its doors due to increased operating costs and the current economic climate, with a decision going to be announced on Friday 7 July.

The centre currently provides care for 109 children, from over 70 local families. Many of the 30 staff at Windermere have been there since the beginning, some over 10 years. This is devastating for children, staff and families.

Securing a place at a great child care is already a challenge. If Windermere was to close, there will be over 70 families finding themselves without care for their children as early as August. These are parents who are also impacted by the current economic climate and need keep their jobs, which requires child care.

Now is the time to act. Windermere organisation has provided the centre with a ‘consultation period’ of 7 days, before the final decision is made and the centre likely closed. We have seven days – from today - to show the deep need and genuine love for this centre that has cared for so many of our children.