Lancaster and Frank Hartley House Child Care Centre on Malvern Road in Prahran has been a crucial focal point for the community in eastern Prahran for decades. The operator - TRY Children's Services - announced on the 12th of November this year that it would close from Christmas Day. This action left families and staff facing uncertain futures during the difficult Christmas and new year period at extremely short notice, including several staff who have worked at Lancaster for 18 years or longer. This short-sighted decision appears to have been made because of a number of short-term operational issues in running the centre, without TRY pursuing any avenues to rectify these problems. Despite this, Lancaster House appears to have all the features necessary to ensure a sustainable and vibrant child care centre in the longer term.

The thriving local community of family and staff has been devastated by this blow, with few other options available for child care in the area. The action conflicts with all of TRY's stated values (as listed on their website) - rather than TRY being involved with and loyal to the Lancaster community, we have been left feeling disconnected and betrayed by TRY management.