Have Your Say on Childcare in Our District

The District Council of Elliston is undertaking a Childcare Needs Analysis to better understand the current and future childcare needs of families across our district.

The project is funded by Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula and will gather local evidence about childcare demand, the experiences of families and carers, and the impact that access to childcare can have on employment and workforce participation.

We want to hear from you

Council is inviting families and carers from across the district to share their experiences and tell us what childcare might look like for them now and into the future.

You do not need to currently use childcare to participate. We also want to hear from people who may need childcare in the future, have previously needed care, use informal or out-of-district care, or have experienced difficulties accessing childcare.

The Childcare Needs Analysis will help Council to:

• identify current and future unmet childcare demand;
• understand the types of care, days, hours and locations families may need;
• understand how limited childcare availability affects families, employment and workforce participation;
• explore potential childcare service options; and
• provide evidence to support future planning, discussions with potential service providers and funding opportunities.

The findings will contribute to an Elliston-specific report for Council and the Office for Early Childhood Development.

Complete the Childcare Needs Survey

The community survey asks about current childcare arrangements, difficulties accessing care, the type and amount of childcare your family may require, future needs and how childcare availability may affect employment.

• Complete the survey online: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/83NHKLW
• Complete a paper copy  (hard copies will be available at various locations throughout the district)
• Participate over the phone (Call Council on 08 8687 9177)
• Speak with us in person at one of our upcoming community drop-in sessions

Community Drop-in Sessions

Council will also be holding community drop-in sessions across the district.

These sessions will provide an opportunity to learn more about the Childcare Needs Analysis, talk about your experiences and childcare needs, complete the survey, or register your interest in participating in a more detailed interview.

Dates, times and locations for the upcoming drop-in sessions will be announced shortly. Keep an eye on our Facebook page, website and notice boards for more information.

Why your feedback matters

The information gathered through the survey and wider community engagement will help build a clearer picture of childcare needs specifically within the District of Elliston.

The findings may be used to inform future childcare planning, discussions with potential service providers, investment decisions and funding opportunities.

Participation is voluntary and survey information will be treated confidentially, with findings generally reported as combined or summarised information.

Whether you need childcare now, may need it in the future, or have previously experienced challenges accessing care, we encourage you to have your say.