A Childcare Forum took place in Gilgandra recently to tackle the shortage of available childcare in the area and the related challenges of retaining workers in the region.

Gilgandra Shire Council representatives and staff from NSW Health, local schools, Ambulance Service and the Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) discussed impacts that lack of childcare has in the Shire with regard to a caregiver's ability to return to the workforce.

Gilgandra shire currently has one long day care centre, two accredited Family Day Care providers and two Preschools - one in Gilgandra the other in Tooraweenah.

"The meeting brought together essential services providers and we all gained an appreciation for the challenges we are all facing as a result of the lack of Child care services," David Neeves, General Manager at Gilgandra Shire Council said.

Mr Neeves said the meeting went very well.

"It was great to have a round-table discussion with representatives from Regional NSW, Schools and Health, to discuss challenges and how the limited availability of childcare, vocation and after school care is affecting their operations," he said.

"It was a welcomed conversation that everyone actively participated in, some sharing their own experiences how the lack of childcare services is severely affecting their ability to attract and retain staff. These challenges are not only being felt within the Gilgandra local government area but within the wider Central West and Orana."

Gilgandra Mayor Doug Batten also attended and said DRNSW highlighted the issues around access to qualified, trained staff.

"There is a fundamental gap in before and after school care and during school holidays," Mr Batten said. "Following this meeting it is clear that this is also being experienced withing our local service providers, specifically hospitals and schools."

Looking for local solutions - and government partners 

Regional NSW are working to assess the issue across the western region however any immediate Government assistant will not be forthcoming in the immediate future, Mr Neeves said.

"Council will be considering developing a local child care strategy, there will also be an investigation into the options of providing afterschool and vocation care.

"The availability of child care spaces remains a significant issues so does the child care needs to shift workers such as nurses and paramedics," Mr Neeves said.

"The solution to this will require broader government intervention but what is clear is that if the NSW State Government is serious about filling all teacher and nursing vacancies, a solution to the childcare issues must go hand in hand.

Mr Batten agreed the state government needs to be supportive.

"Council recognises the importance of addressing this matter and is eager to seek the support and partnership of the State and Federal Government to explore possible solutions and improve the availability of childcare services within our region."

Mr Batten said council will be discussing options and is eager to consult with local providers, and government to develop childcare that meets the needs of the community.