Knox centres face the axe

By Casey Neill
TWO Knox childcare centres may close in less than a month as the ABC Learning centre crisis continues.
Receivers last month took control of ABC Learning. The company is more than $1.6 billion in debt.
ABC Boronia Central and ABC Ferntree Gully Central were named among 132 Victorian centres facing closure as early as 1 January.
Receiver Chris Honey said the centres were unprofitable but could be saved.
“We expect a number of the remaining centres will also remain open next year,” Mr Honey said.
“However, we need a little more time to examine these centres in more detail and to ensure that the correct decision on their future is made.”
Receivers will confirm which centres will close this week.
The Australian Services Union called on local governments to take control of embattled centres.
ASU national secretary Paul Slape said the ABC Learning collapse was an opportunity for families to reconnect with local community services.
“Local government already provides maternal and child health services and it simply makes sense that it is the long-term home for childcare services,” he said.
The Mail asked Knox Council if it would take over local centres if they were forced to close.
But community services director Kerry Stubbings said the Federal Government had the main responsibility for childcare places.
“At this stage, council is supportive of families looking to the leadership of the Federal Government while monitoring the situation closely,” she said.
Mr Honey said at least 171 Victorian centres, including Ferntree Gully West, Belgrave Heights and Boronia South, would remain open next year.
Staff members at the safe and threatened centres were unable to comment.
Parents can find updates at www.childcare.com.au.