Francie Bastianon has been at the centre since her colleague Khusha Goswami, aged 21, was born. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith child care centre Dorthy Waide celebrated its 40th birthday this weekend.
Past and present staff, founders, families and children gathered at the centre on Saturday (18 October) to look back at how the facility has grown since it was opened in 1985, reflecting on its importance to the town.
Early childhood education and nursery room leader Francie Bastianon explained its origins.
“Dorothy Waide was a councillor in Griffith in the 1980s,” she said.
“It was her mission to improve social and family services in Griffith. She was also a Kindergarten teacher, so she had a soft spot for early childhood education. She recognised that parents needed a secure place for their children so they can work. She was a passionate believer that good quality childcare was a good thing for children if it was staffed well and managed by the parents.”
While private land was scarce in Griffith at the time, the late Ms Waide lobbied the State Government for some Crown land and finally won permission for a block on Middleton Avenue. It was part of the adjacent government housing estate being built in the 1980s.
“Originally called the Griffith Child Care Centre, it was the first service of its type and it remains the only community based not-for-profit child care provider in the town,” Ms Bastianon said.
Ms Waide was also one of the main instigators behind the regional theatre, town library, art gallery and housing and welfare service Neighbourhood House.
Ms Bastianon reflected on how the centre had evolved over the past four decades.
“We have kept growing and now have a nursery, toddler and pre-school room and a much bigger backyard than when we started. We had about 20 children in the early days and we now cater to around 70.
“The centre also has more than 20 staff, meaning it’s staff to student ratio is higher than what’s required by legislation.”
Aerial shot of the centre in 1985. Photo: Supplied.
The veteran educator, who has worked at the centre for 21 years, also paid tribute to Neville Dwyer, one of the centre’s first directors.
“He played an important role in what child care is today; he brought the vision of making children the priority to life,” she said.
Ms Bastianon said the centre remained as popular as ever.
“We have a two-year waiting list, because this is the place to be. We recommended getting in touch with us as soon as you fall pregnant to reserve your place,” she said.
