Alexandrina Council has announced the sudden closure of the Strathalbyn Community Children’s Centre, due to financial pressures.

The centre on Burkett Drive ceased trading at 6pm last Friday 24 February and the council only found out that day, when advised by a concerned community member.

It was told that families affected were notified of the closure the previous day, leaving them stranded without childcare from this week.

Alexandrina Council CEO Nigel Morris says the council understands the challenges that this closure will have on the community.

“We are committed to working with the Strathalbyn Children’s Centre Management Committee and the Department of Education to explore all avenues to enable the Centre to reopen as soon as possible. 

“Discussions are already underway between Council and the Department of Education. 

“We will share further information with the Community as it comes to hand.”

The community-based not-for-profit centre offered 60 places to children aged from 6 months to 6 years. It was open Monday to Friday from 6.30am to 6pm.

Run by a committee of management made up of parent representatives, community members, and staff, it had been operating for 25 years.

As recently as 10 February the centre was advertising a mid-year kindergarten intake for children turning 4 between 1 May and 31 October.

In mid-January it advertised for a Centre Director and several Early Childhood Educators, offering above award wages.