Imagine a picturesque mountain town where families have carved out a unique lifestyle, only to face a devastating blow: the closure of their sole childcare center. For the residents of Falls Creek, this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a threat to their very way of life. And this is the part most people miss: in remote communities like this, childcare isn’t a luxury—it’s the backbone that supports families, businesses, and even emergency services.
Nestled in the Victorian Alps, Falls Creek is a resort town where residents embrace a lifestyle far removed from urban conveniences. The nearest 24-hour health service is a full hour’s drive away, and the local supermarket operates on limited hours. Yet, for the families who call this mountain home, these challenges pale in comparison to the loss of their childcare center and kindergarten—a service they deem absolutely essential. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite its critical role, the state government body Alpine Resorts Victoria (ARV) has decided to shut it down, citing financial losses. The center, which has been a lifeline for 17 children and their families, will close in February, leaving residents scrambling for solutions.
Lachlan Beckett, a Falls Creek resident and business owner, describes the decision as a source of immense stress. With five children who have either attended or are currently enrolled in the center, he knows firsthand how vital it is. The nearest alternative, in Mount Beauty, is a 45-minute drive in summer and at least an hour in winter—a commute that adds four hours to their daily schedule. ‘It’s too far,’ Beckett says. ‘We simply can’t make it work.’
What’s more, the Mount Beauty center doesn’t offer seven-day care, a necessity for families running businesses or working in tourism, which thrives on weekends. Beckett and his partner, Amy Hodge, fear their accommodation business will suffer. ‘We’d have to hire more staff to cover childcare,’ he explains. ‘Costs will skyrocket for everyone.’
But the impact goes beyond individual families. Hodge worries about the children’s readiness for school without the structured environment the center provides. Zac Howard, another resident, points out the broader implications: ‘Young couples won’t start families here, and those with kids will likely leave.’ He also highlights the reliance of local emergency services, like the Country Fire Authority, on permanent residents who volunteer their time—a commitment that becomes nearly impossible without childcare.
ARV has issued a tender for a new operator, but the center is expected to close before a replacement is found. Residents are exploring the possibility of running it themselves, but the tight timeframe and holiday season make this an uphill battle. ‘We just need more time,’ Beckett pleads.
In a statement, Colleen Gwynne, Falls Creek’s general manager, explained that ARV’s decision was driven by financial and workforce challenges, with an expected shortfall of $177,000 by the end of the financial year. She noted that the high compliance requirements were not aligned with ARV’s core business. While 14 children have found alternative placements, the future remains uncertain for the remaining families.
Falls Creek, which welcomed nearly 165,000 visitors by October this year, has already faced significant challenges, including a landslide in 2023 and COVID-19 lockdowns. But the loss of its childcare center may be the most devastating blow yet. It raises a thought-provoking question: Can remote communities truly thrive without accessible, reliable childcare? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think governments should prioritize such services in rural areas, or is it a matter of financial practicality? The residents of Falls Creek are eager to hear your perspective.
