Wind in the Willows: Town of Bassendean calls for independent ‘expert’ to manage future of childcare centre

An independent expert is being called in to manage the future of the not-for-profit childcare centre Wind in the Willows in the Town of Bassendean. The town came under significant community backlash after it sent out a letter proposing to sell the more than 40-year-old childcare service to a new provider, Cha Cha Cha Group Pty Ltd, for $2.5 million. Community rallies, meetings, petitions and a Facebook page were created in opposition to the idea, with the scrutiny eventually resulting in Cha Cha Cha Pty Ltd pulling out. The town has since put out a request for quotation for a “suitably qualified consultant or organisation” to assist, design and manage the future expressions of interest process. It said it was not about selecting a new childcare provider. “The consultant will help the town explore not‑for‑profit and community‑based options for the future of the service,” the town website said. “They will also support the preparation of information, manage enquiries, assist with assessments and contribute to future community engagement.” The RFQ is open until May 29. The successful candidate will be engaged from June. “Any potential transition to a not‑for‑profit provider would be subject to a future decision by council,” the town said. “There will be further opportunities for the community to receive information and stay updated as the project progresses.”