NEW DEFENCE CHILDCARE CONTRACT ANNOUNCED
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester today announced that, following a competitive tender process, One Tree Community Services has been selected as a new contract provider for the Defence Childcare Program.
“One Tree Community Services, a national not-for-profit organisation, has 45 years’ experience delivering childhood education and care in the community,” Mr Chester said.
“I am pleased that One Tree Community Services is joining the Defence Childcare Program family – an initiative that provides support to Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families in many regions across the country.”
The Defence Childcare Program offers day care and after school hours care at 17 locations to support ADF members and their families who relocate regularly due to postings.
The new contract, to take effect on 1 January 2019, will continue to include an individual case management service. This assists families who are having difficulty finding childcare and provides local options that will allow them to choose which childcare service best suits their family.
“On average, Defence families move around Australia every two to three years, and often have limited notice when they have to relocate for Service reasons,” Mr Chester said.
“Defence will work closely with both One Tree Community Services and the outgoing service provider, Mission Australia Early Learning, over the next few months to ensure continuity of service for families at the centres.”
More information about the Defence Childcare Program and other support for military families is available from Defence Community Organisation’s website www.defence.gov.au/dco.
