Dozens of families thrown into chaos, 25 staff left jobless after a shock announcement
A Melbourne childcare centre has appointed liquidators and shut its doors after failing to find a buyer, leaving dozens of families without care.
Avondale Heights Childcare and Early Learning Centre in the city’s north-west has closed down after liquidators of SBS Advisory took control of the business, according to a notice published by ASIC.
Avondale Heights Childcare and Early Learning Centre closed its doors on Tuesday after failing to find a buyer. Google Maps
Administrators had initially found a buyer for the business and had entered into a contract of sale.
However the centre was forced to close after the purchase fell through.
A letter from liquidator Glen Spooner was sent to parents and caregivers on Tuesday evening, giving them just hours to find alternative childcare for Wednesday.
The closure has left 25 educators without a job.
It is understood around 70 children attended the centre.
Staff were seen crying as they returned to the premises to collect belongings and say goodbye to the children on Wednesday.
Nearby childcare centres have contacted parents to offer spots for affected children, including Little Stars Early Education Centre in Avondale Heights and Goodstart Early Learning Keilor Village.
“We understand this is a very difficult and unexpected situation for families, and our team is aware of the circumstances,” a spokesperson for Little Stars Early Education Centre said in a post on Facebook.
“We are ready to assist families with the transition and will be responding to emails and enquiries as quickly as possible.”
Avondale Heights Childcare and Early Learning Centre was open from 6.30am to 6.30pm and described itself a “warm, family-run childcare”.
It comes as Australian childcare provider Edge Early Learning collapsed into voluntary administration on Wednesday, risking the closure of up to 70 childcare centres across the country.
The education provider operates 70 childcare, kindergarten, and preschool centres across Queensland, South Australia, and the ACT.
SOURCE: 9 NEWS
https://www.nine.com.au/australia-news/vic/dozens-of-families-in-the-lurch-after-childcare-centre-s-sudden-collapse-20260826-p60rpp.html
