Wind in the Willows: Parents told they’ll have to pay higher fees to keep childcare centre running
Parents using Willows childcare centers in Bassendean Town Wind will face higher charges as the council moves to ensure the service continues without relying on ratepayers subsidies.
The decision comes after a bid to sell centers in Bassendean and Ashfield collapsed after a strong community backlash forced private buyer Cha Cha Cha Group Pty Ltd to withdraw its bid in March.
Parents felt “blindsided” after receiving a letter from the town saying it was offering to sell the nonprofit service for $2.5 million and giving parents only two weeks to give feedback.
A total of 243 public presentations were made throughout the consultation period, and around 200 people attended a special constituency meeting in March.
In the letter, parents were informed that the Bassendean location would close in mid-2026, while Ashfield would close in late 2026.
Although it has canceled the sale of the two centers for now, the town has made clear the financial losses of the service.
The two centers recorded a $361,000 deficit last year, estimated at about $50 per taxable property, the town said.
With this in mind, the council will consider increasing charges in the 2026/27 financial year so the service “will no longer need ratepayers’ subsidy.”
While many families opposed the private sale, they also acknowledged the financial pressures; Some indicated they would be willing to pay higher fees to maintain quality care.
At the same time, parents voiced concerns about the quality of care, staff stability, and transparency in the town’s decision-making processes.
The now-cancelled sale process involved due diligence by Cha Cha Cha Group, but the company officially withdrew its offer on March 24 following a consultation process and community outcry.
The city later canceled the sale entirely, meaning the centers will remain under city management in the short term.
The town said it does not consider child care a long-term essential function and is exploring alternative models to ensure sustainability.
This includes seeking a partnership with a not-for-profit provider and, if funding can be secured, exploring the potential for a new, modern childcare facility, possibly on Crown land.
The Town has reached out to State and Federal representatives for support, but funding opportunities are expected to be limited and highly competitive.
Several community-focused motions were tabled at the special meeting of voters, including a call for the mayor to formally apologize for how the proposed sale was handled.
Town officials said the mayor had previously apologized at a public meeting.
Another motion pushed for the creation of a family, staff and community advisory group to guide the future of the centres. Town officials have recommended against the proposal, citing the complexity of the legislation and resource constraints.
For now, the immediate conclusion is that the centers will remain open, but at a higher cost to families. At this stage, it is not clear how much the wages will be increased.
The council will make its official decision at its meeting on April 28.
