The Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA) is pleased to welcome the support from the Isaac Regional Council as an important step in strengthening early learning services across the region. This collaboration will play a key role in addressing ongoing childcare challenges and supporting families, businesses, and communities.

The funding will contribute to the Childcare Leadership Alliances’ initiatives and advocacy to support early learning services in the region, implementing sustainable childcare solutions for the community.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said that while childcare is primarily a state and federal responsibility, the Council recognises the need for local leadership in securing essential services.

“When childcare centres struggle, families struggle. Without access to reliable early learning services, parents find it harder to return to work, impacting local businesses and our broader community,” Mayor Vea Vea said.

“Childcare is not just about looking after kids – it’s about giving families the opportunity to build a future in our communities, supporting businesses that rely on a stable workforce, and ensuring that our region remains a great place to live and work,” she said.

Executive Officer of the Childcare Leadership Alliance, Mel Comerford, said that this is a step forward in ensuring that every town in the Isaac region has access to quality early learning services.

“We commend Isaac Regional Council for recognising the critical role childcare plays in supporting local families and businesses. Reliable early learning services are essential for workforce participation and community growth, and this investment will help address immediate challenges,” Mel Comerford said.

“However, while this is a fantastic step in the right direction, there is still much work to be done. A long-term commitment from all levels of government, industry, and community stakeholders is needed to ensure that every town in the Isaac region receives the best possible support. Sustainable funding, workforce development, and infrastructure investment will be crucial in making this vision a reality.”

Since its establishment, the Childcare Leadership Alliance has already made significant strides in addressing regional childcare challenges, achieving:

• Recruitment, relocation, and housing of 37 qualified and experienced educators, reducing waitlists and increasing occupancy and care availability for families.

• High-quality, engaging professional development for over 85 educators through online and in-person training.

• Support for five early learning providers across eight early learning services.

• Four professional development events, along with the launch of a year-long leadership and networking program, Care to Lead.

• Development and launch of an online “Get Ready for Work” program to support international educators and new entrants to the sector.

• The Alliance has also been the topic of a number of Awards won:

  • BMA Childcare project – 2025 Winner Excellence in Diversity Programs and Performance in Queensland Resources category, QRC/ WIMARQ Resources Awards for Women

  • BMA Childcare project – 2025 Finalist in the Women in Resources National Awards hosted by the Minerals Council of Australia

  • BMA and Astute Childcare Leadership Alliance – Strategic Innovation in Regional Childcare – 2024 Winner Qld Mining Award – EEO Award

“We encourage industry partners and all levels of government to join us in making childcare a priority. A thriving early learning sector benefits everyone – from parents and children to businesses and the broader community,” Mel Comerford said.