LODDON Shire says it will work with the community bank in continuing local advocacy for a rural funding model for child care.
Chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said council strongly supported the bank’s ongoing efforts to lobby both state and federal governments for the necessary funding to build and operate childcare facilities within the Loddon Shire, addressing the current child care desert. 
“We believe that a collaborative effort is essential to ensure all residents have access to high-quality early childhood services,” he said. “The responsibility for building and operating child care facilities rests with the State and Commonwealth Governments. 
“Council has long advocated for the government to invest in this service within our municipality and was pleased with the announcement from the Victorian government to build and operate a facility at Wedderburn which will open in 2026.”
Mr Fitzgerald said councillors councillors resolved last September to prioritise advocacy for child care as part of the 2024 priorities document.”
The priorities document includes the following summary:
Rural Child care Model in the northern part of the Shire – Rural funding model to attract long day care providers to the northern area of the shire.
Availability of childc are has been identified as a high priority for parents, caregivers and services providers for many years. With the announcement of the upcoming child care centre in Wedderburn 2026 is a significant step forward, continuous advocacy is necessary to ensure that families in the northern part of the municipality have access to the long daycare services they need.
Government investment is sought for a rural funding model to attract long day care providers to the area. Council has produced a childcare feasibility business case which identifies a model that would allow the development of viable, reliable and sustainable long day care options in small rural communities.
Mr Fitzgerald said councillors had discussed the community bank’s $250,000 pledge at a meeting last month.