Council explores new management arrangements for Kimberley Place

Yarra Ranges Council is working with Department of Education and Training (DET) to identify a new organisation to manage Kimberley Place in Chirnside Park, following Kimberley Place Inc’s (KPI) abrupt decision to end its partnering agreement and building lease with Council due to financial difficulties.

The KPI Board advised Council on Monday 10 December that they had gone into administration. As a result, all services (including the lending library) and programs, excluding Maternal and Child Health, will be unavailable at the centre until further notice. 

Local Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Richard Higgins, said Council had stepped in to explore options for services to continue at the centre through another provider, and had provided some additional funding as an interim measure.

“Kimberley Place is an important asset for our local community, and Council is committed to ensuring the community can continue to access community activities and early years services at the centre into the future,” Cr Higgins said.

“Since KPI advised us about their intention to end their partnership with us, Council has been working with State Government agencies and other organisations to start exploring other options.

“Council is extremely disappointed with this situation, and we’re sorry for any disruption it may cause. We are doing everything we can to minimise the immediate impact on families and other users of the centre.”

Cr Higgins said Council hoped to be able to provide further details regarding a new provider shortly.

“In the meantime, council has compiled a list of other child care providers in the local area who may have some long day care vacancies for parents who urgently require long day care for their children as a result of Kimberley Place Inc’s closure.

“That list is available online or by phoning council on 1300 368 333.”

Cr Higgins said Council was hopeful that 3 and 4 year old preschool would recommence for term one in 2019.

“We are urging parents interested in 3 and 4 year old preschool at Kimberley Place in 2019 to register their details by phoning 1300 368 333 and speaking to a Customer Experience Officer. This is essential to assist with our planning.

Cr Higgins said once alternative management arrangements for Kimberley Place were confirmed, Council would work with the new provider to ensure any venue bookings currently in place for 2019 would continue as normal.

Council’s Maternal and Child Health service will continue to run as normal at the centre.

“In the meantime, I would like to thank families, staff and other users of Kimberley Place for their patience. We look forward to providing you with more details regarding longer-term management arrangements at the centre shortly.”