19 September 2022

New Boggabri childcare centre a game-changer for local workforce

Until relatively recently, families in Boggabri had to travel to and from Narrabri or Gunnedah for childcare, limiting locals’ ability to enter or return to the workforce – but that has all changed, with the thriving north-west NSW town now home to the new Nurruby Boggabri Early Learning Facility.

Having opened in June 2021, the centre not only welcomes more than 60 children each day, but also provides valuable training and employment opportunities to locals.

“The biggest impact felt within the community has been to support parents to go back to work, or take on more work,” said Nurruby Managing Director Prue Jamieson.

“Another huge benefit is that we can provide not just employment but also training opportunities for locals. Already in a year we’ve been able to upskill nine of our employees, including trainees in early education.”

Whitehaven Coal has committed to supporting the team, with $100,000 being invested over five years to fund training and education of local staff. Ms Jamieson said the centre was suffering the same staff shortages being felt across the nation, but being able to train locals was having a positive impact and alleviating some of the workforce pressures.

“The hardest part at the moment is the ability to attract suitably qualified staff,” added Ms Jamieson.

“The ongoing funding from Whitehaven Coal is making a big difference by allowing us to employ and upskill locals to obtain the qualifications needed.”

“The childcare centre has been providing a valuable service for locals, saving parents time they previously spent traveling to other towns, and offering them the opportunity to get back into the workforce,” said Darren Swain, Whitehaven Coal’s General Manager – Community Engagement.

“We always look to invest in the community in ways that leave a positive social and economic legacy, and we’re proud to be able to do just that in Boggabri, especially in the current tight labour market.”

Pictured: Nurruby Boggabri Early Learning Facility staff.

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