The Nintirri Centre appointed as Tom Price Childcare Centre operator

Little Geckos as part of Tom Price’s Nintirri Centre have been awarded the tender to operate the new childcare facility in Tom Price.

The Tom Price Childcare Centre is being delivered to the community by the Shire of Ashburton working in partnership with Rio Tinto.

Shire President Kerry White said that she was pleased to see the childcare facility move one step closer to fruition.

“This centre has been on the cards for our Tom Price community members for many years, and I thank the community for their patience and trust the facility will greatly assist parents with their child care needs upon completion”, acknowledge Councillor White.

“The 96-space fit for purpose childcare centre will have the provision to provide day care and after school care facilities, significantly increasing support to our local families and also attract new families to town.

“We sought to appoint an operator at this early stage of the construction process so that they would be able to offer feedback on the design and functionality of this purpose built facility.

“As part of the tender submission, respondents were required to demonstrate their understanding of childcare needs in the Shire of Ashburton such as early and extended hours, outside of school care, and occasional / casual care requirements given the nature of our local workforce.

“Respondents were also asked to showcase their skills and experience in the management and operation of childcare centres and comment on future demand trends, service options and transition and fit out timeframes.

“The ability to attract and retain staff was also among the questions raised during the tender process.

“The Shire is pleased to award the operational contract to Little Geckos and the Nintirri Centre who have been providing child care services in Tom Price for over 30 years and look forward to working together to deliver a modern, comfortable and well-designed childcare space.”

Rio Tinto general manager Greater Tom Price operations, Jamie Robinson said he was pleased to see the tender awarded to a local provider, The Nintirri Centre.

“Supporting local businesses is a priority for Rio Tinto and I would like to acknowledge our partners, the Shire of Ashburton, for this shared commitment. Through this collaborative partnership we can enhance the town’s ability to attract and retain families, while also increasing local job opportunities.”

Construction will commence in April 2021 and is expected to take 8 months to complete with the centre likely to open early 2022.

For media information

Alison Lennon, Manager Media and Communications, Shire of Ashburton

M: 0409 314 140 | E: [email protected]

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