2025-09-24
Greens MLAs Laura Nuttall and Jo Clay will today move a motion calling for the ACT Government to do all it can to provide long term certainty for SDN Bluebell and the early childhood education and care sector throughout Belconnen.
"Last week's news that SDN Bluebell would receive an extension at its current site for at least 12 months was welcome but is ultimately not a long-term solution. The broader issue is that high quality not-for-profit early childhood education and care providers are struggling to find and retain space."
"Parents and educators alike want assurances that quality centres like SDN Bluebell are going to be there for them long term.
"This is a difficult moment for the sector, but when centres like SDN Bluebell are focussed on providing quality education and care to kids, and not on profit, we need to help them stick around.
"That's why our motion calls on the ACT Government to do all it can to actively support the not-for-profit sector, who often struggle to find appropriate sites when competing with the private sector.
"We're also calling on the government to investigate whether provisions under the current crown lease can keep the current SDN Bluebell site as an early childhood education and care centre long term.
"At the very least, the government must actively support SDN Bluebell in finding a new appropriate site if they cannot stay at their current site long- term, while ensuring there is still appropriate early childhood education and care throughout Belconnen.
"This motion came from a huge groundswell of community advocacy from the parents and community of SDN Bluebell. That good-will has been cultivated and nurtured by an early learning centre that punches far above its weight, and is emblematic of the incredibly high standard of service Bluebell has been providing the community."
ACT Greens MLA for Ginninderra Jo Clay said families are under unnecessary stress following the uncertain long-term future of SDN Bluebell and with a rapidly growing population in Belconnen.
"Belconnen has already lost a trusted, not-for-profit Bruce Early Learning Centre earlier this year. We cannot afford to lose more trusted early childhood education and care in the region.
"The town centre has over 10,000 people, and a rapidly growing population. So we need the ACT Labor Government to go further and ensure there are education options at all levels - from early childhood education and care through to high school.
"It's good that we have Government commitment to a primary school to serve our town centre, but we also need planning and support for a high school and enough early learning centres for our families," Ms Clay said.
"As a mum I know how hard and stressful it was to get into early childhood education and care – let alone one that supports your families’ needs.
"Canberra families deserve to have secure, long-term access to the centre they have entrusted to care for and educate their children, and children deserve environments that consistently support them to thrive as they grow."
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