Families across Double Bay and the broader Woollahra municipality are grappling with a critical shortage of childcare and preschool options. The recent closure of several centres—including Double Bay Goodstart, Greenwood Rose Bay, Little Giggles Double Bay, and Bluebirds Rose Bay—has left working parents in a difficult position. Double Bay Goodstart alone offered 150 places.
The newly opened Little Feet Early Learning and Childcare in Double Bay offers 52 places per day but has an extensive waitlist, highlighting the immense demand for childcare services in our area.
I am a doctor at Prince of Wales Hospital and a mother of two, including a 10-month-old, and I am facing the prospect of delaying my return to work due to the lack of available childcare.
The situation with preschool access mirrors that of childcare. Woollahra Preschool is the sole council-run preschool in the area, offering limited places for children 3 years and older. A number of years ago, it expanded to accommodate an additional 20 children per day; however, demand still outpaces supply. Additionally, the lack of government options places a financial burden on families forced to use long day care or private providers.Care for Kids
It is worth considering the repurposing of underutilized spaces such as Sherbrooke Hall, Rose Bay Cottage, or the vacant area above Woolworths to expand services and alleviate shortages. The vacant area above Woolworths was previously a Goodstart Day Care centre and is currently fit for purpose to be another childcare centre. The area is owned by Woollahra Council. However, due to Woollahra Council prioritizing the revenue from a large rental income, another provider has not been able to move in and make it financially viable. As such, the area has remained vacant now for over a year.
That area could be another preschool, a much-needed community space for mums and bubs to go and connect, a venue to be rented for playgroups, or another much-needed day care centre. With more apartments due to be built in light of legislation changes, local families are only going to need more services. It is a beautiful place to grow and raise a family, but without some attention given to the needs of families, many may find themselves having to relocate.
If you share these concerns or have ideas for solutions, please reach out to me or contact the Council directly. Together, we can advocate to make Woollahra LGA a more family-friendly place.
By Jessica Borbasi, Double Bay Resident and Mother of Two,
To contact Jessica, email: Jessica.borbasi@gmail.com
