A prominent Townsville childcare centre has reversed a controversial decision to reduce operational hours of its vital outside school services after parent blowback. Here’s why.
Small-business owner, nursing student and mother of three Jen Jurss contacted the Townsville Bulletin after the management of Mary MacKillop Childcare North Queensland informed parents that its after-school services at St Joseph’s North Ward were being cut from 6pm to 5.30pm from term three.
Ms Jurss, who with husband Matt owns and operates a bicycle business in Garbutt, said that in addition to reducing operating hours that would harm working families, Mary MacKillop had already announced an increase in fees, effective as of July 1, to $18 per student for before-school care, $28 after school and $60 for holiday care and pupil-free days.
“So they’re increasing their fees and decreasing their school hours, which I think is a bit rich,” Ms Jurss said.
According to its website, MMCNQ operates three centres in Townsville and one each in Mount Isa, Ingham and Palm Island.
Ms Jurss said there had been no consultation with parents prior to the email.
“As far as I am concerned, 5.30pm is unreasonable – our shop shuts at 5.30pm … – because you are dealing with professional parents: doctors, nurses, lawyers who utilise a city school,” Ms Jurss said.
“It’s just not good enough.”
MMCNQ, however, walked away from the reductions in operating hours on Tuesday.
In an email to the Bulletin, executive director Jo Goodrick said the centre had reversed its decision.
“We have listened to the small number of families affected and will not make this change,” the email reads.
The fee increases will still apply.
Ms Goodrick said fees were increased each year “as is common within our sector and general businesses”.
“Our increase has been as low as $1 per session in line with the Consumer Price Index as well as in response to the Fair Work announcement of a 5.75 per cent increase to the minimum award,” she said.
“We are pleased to say that our fee increase is significantly less than some of our larger competitors.”