Lack of Childcare Frustrating

Lack of childcare in Cohuna is causing families to relocate and, in some cases, reconsider the number of children they have. The struggle has become so frustrating for one young family, they are now exploring the possibility of an independent childcare establishment. 

Tenielle and Jye Edge both work full time, and with their two boys, 3-year-old Jax and 2-year-old Tex, have juggled a host of childcare options since the start of 2020. At one point they were between three family day-carers, and when COVID-19 hit, their main day-carer was forced to close, leaving them in the lurch.

In a bid to both keep their jobs, the couple moved to Echuca to access childcare there, securing spots instantly and giving the boys a consistent routine. While the boys loved their new placements, Tenielle and Jye struggled with the daily work commute to Cohuna.

Tenielle explained, “The cost of living in Echuca and the two of us travelling every day, was just too high and we couldn't justify it. So, at the beginning of term four, 2020, we moved back to Cohuna and employed an au pair. She was fantastic; we loved her so much but after a term it was time for her to move on to explore the rest of Australia. 

“In December last year I started ringing around trying to find care for the boys. There was nothing. We were on every wait list there was, but so were 10 other people or more. Jye and I had to start discussing who was going to quit their job, and I just thought, surely in 2020, parents don't have to be having this conversation.”

The Edges would like to have a third child but say the stress of childcare makes it impossible. In addition to putting the boys in family day-care once a week, they pay a private babysitter, the fees of which do not attract government assistance. 

Tenielle believes that lack of childcare can lead to families leaving the area. “We are constantly considering leaving the area, just as many other families have [left], and will leave. So many businesses and companies in Cohuna struggle to find employees or keep employees because of this issue as well. It also affects the mental health of parents. It's okay in this day and age to admit that sometimes we are better parents when we have a job and a different purpose every day. I know I am.” 

She continues, “The Shire has also gone and put so much money into Apex Park in Cohuna but doesn’t realise that families will continue to move away, and there will be no one left to use the park or run the businesses that the tourists want.”

Other parents facing the same challenges have thrown their support behind Tenielle. A petition attracted over 500 names and gained the attention of childcare franchises who have advised on next steps to take. An independent analysis has been arranged and discussions will follow on how to proceed from there.