Council welcomes First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centre

The transition of ownership of the Gatton Child Care Centre is now finalised after Lockyer Valley Regional Council identified a suitable buyer for the facility.

The Gatton Child Care Centre is now known as First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centre and is owned and operated by VR Co Corporations.

The move comes after Council resolved earlier this year to conduct a tender process to test the market for the sale of the Centre as a ‘going concern’. At its meeting in August, Council resolved to accept an offer to purchase from VR Co Corporations.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Chris Wilson said Council welcomed such a highly regarded and respected private sector operator to the region.

“There is no doubt the region’s growing demand for childcare must be met, and we are confident First Steps Early Childhood Learning Centre will do just that.

“We have ensured parents, caregivers and our staff have been kept regularly updated and informed throughout the process whilst Council officers have worked with the new owners, Michael and Sheree Hanna to transfer the business to their ownership.

Mrs Hanna said she and her husband were honoured to support the local community through their family-owned company and extensive experience in operating childcare centres.

“We are deeply committed to providing high-quality early childhood education and fostering strong connections with the families we serve.

“The centre will continue to operate as the place families know and love, maintaining the same high standards of care and education. We are excited to build on the centre’s strong foundations and look forward to working closely with the Gatton community,” she said.

Cr Wilson said transitioning out of the childcare sector would allow Council to focus its resources on its core business, such as improving roads and parks and delivering cost-effective services that benefit the whole community and that are primarily Council’s responsibility.

“Council wishes to thank our dedicated team of childcare staff who have cared for our youngest residents in a Centre that has felt like home for them.

“The new owners have communicated their commitment to ensuring continuity of care.”

“Since 1989, the Centre’s programmes and high-quality care have remained second-to-none, and they will remain in place moving forward.

“Any changes made will only further enhance the children’s experience and development.

“Overall, this is great news for our childcare centre families, the community, ratepayers and our childcare centre staff,” he said.