Hundreds of regional families are scrambling to find alternative childcare after Edge Early Learning closes six of it’s centres permanently.
Port Augusta’s centre is one of the six across the state shutting down after administrators KordaMentha failed to find buyers following the company’s collapse into administration in October.
Affected parents were given just two days notice to collect their children’s belongings before operations ended at the close of business.
The sudden closure has drawn strong reactions from political leaders, with Federal Member for Grey Tom Venning calling it “unacceptable” for regional families to be left stranded without essential care and joining calls for urgent federal intervention.
While private childcare operating models fall under federal jurisdiction, state Education Minister Lucy Hood confirmed she has been in communication with her federal counterparts to explore support and solutions for affected families and staff.
Premier Peter Malinauskas echoed that while the issue rests primarily with the Commonwealth, the state government is committed to assisting impacted local families where possible.
