A recognition of the lack of childcare and the flow on disadvantages to the community, such as inability to attract workers and their families, prompted a Childcare Forum to take place in Gilgandra last June.

At the time, Gilgandra Shire Mayor Doug Batten said the meeting made one thing very clear

"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."

A flow on from last year's meeting has seen Gilgandra Shire Council commence key strategic work in the vision of population growth Towards 5000 with a strong focus on the lack of childcare.

At the time of the first meeting Gilgandra had one long day care centre, two accredited Family Day Care providers and two Preschools - one in Gilgandra the other in Tooraweenah.

After the meeting, David Neeves, General Manager at Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) said Council would 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. 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."

Eight months later and these strategies and community plans for the future are in progress, covering childcare as well as health. Mr Batten encourages feedback from Gilgandra Shire residents.

“The plans are a key to understanding the gaps, challenges and opportunities the community currently face, and how Council, community, government and private partners can work together," he said. "We envisage these strategies to be community plans, and the insights we can gain over the consultation process will help form the future for health, wellbeing and care in the Gilgandra Region”

Lake Advisory have been engaged to deliver the Community Health Vision. Lake Advisory are already engaged by GSC to undergo an Orana Living NDIS review. The Child-Care strategy seeks to understand quantifiable data related to current and future needs of child-care of ages spanning 0-12, including early childhood, before and after school care and holiday care.

Insight Consulting Australia are working with GSC to deliver the Child Care strategy. Council said that with the group's long background in youth services, government and strategic work, they are excited to see their data analysis and consultation review, along with action plan for delivery by the community.

Consultation for both strategies commenced Monday 4 March and involve community surveys and group facilitated meetings with service providers.

Gilgandra residents are encouraged to take part and share the consultation information to ensure the best reach and insight from the community. A list of industry, community and government stakeholders is being compiled to assist with the consultation processes. A draft plan is expected for public exhibition in May.

Gilgandra residents are invited to provide in person feedback at Gilgandra Lifestyles @ Cooee Lodge and Jack Towney Hostels, Gilgandra Shire Library, Gilgandra Youth Services, Gilgandra Visitor Information Centre, Service NSW, Community Care or Warren Road Offices.

Written feedback can be sent to the General Manager.

You can go about Completing online surveys here.