Wunala Creche Early Learning Centre
Wunala Creche is run by Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation and funded by the Department of Education. First established in 2001, Wunala Creche is a place where children can be looked after and learn while their parents go to work. The crèche was originally just one shed, which was then extended with several outside play areas and an upstairs demountable building where we can have an infant and toddler area. A lunchroom has also been enclosed.
WHY WUNALA?
The meaning of Wunala is an active Kangaroo, representing improved health and safety conditions for children.
Wunala Creche currently has 4 full-time staff and 2 part-time staff. Our staff are currently studying their Cert III in Early Childhood Education and working towards a degree in Early Learning.
A NEW WUNALA CRECHE BUILDING
Approved for funding at the April 2015 Board meeting, the project was funded with the assistance of a $1.06 million grant from the McArthur River Mine (MRM) Community Benefits Trust and $875,000 from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training and ABA. Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation also provided $750,000 from its own funds towards the project.
The new building consists of:
- An Infants Room (0 to 23 months, including a cot room)
- A Toddlers Room (24 months to 35 months)
- A Pre-school Room (36 months to 5 years)
Each room has its own toys, play equipment, and resources. There is also a bottle preparation room and a nappy-changing room.
New administration areas are also included in the Wunala Creche, including a reception room, office, and staff room.
A laundry room, large kitchen, and barbecue area for fun days are also located on site.
The old building was located in the Yanyula Town Camp and was too small and ageing to meet demand. The building itself was also subject to flooding during heavy rains.
The new location was chosen by the Mabunji Board. The new building and its location benefit the community through increased employment, increased availability of care, and a safer and cleaner environment for families, parents, children, and staff.
Families, parents, children, staff, and the community can all utilise the services provided by the Creche. It is licensed for 30 children in total, from newborns to children in preschool (0 to 5 years).
Wunala Creche offers breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea, and supplies all meals and nappies. Mabunji takes care of all maintenance, including gardens, plumbing, and electrical work. Wunala Creche is also provided with the use of a minibus fitted with child restraints so we can go on bush excursions.
THE CRECHE IS OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK.
OPENING TIME: 7:45 AM
CLOSING TIME: 4:15 PM