Play off limits!

CHILDCARE officials are refusing to let children use the outdoor facilities at a Doveton community centre amid fears for the youngsters’ safety.
They believe Doveton facilities as a whole run a distant last to Berwick and other suburbs in Casey when it comes to resource and fund allocation from council.
Good Beginnings official Jeanette Miller said the group used the Doveton Maternal and Child Health Centre as a childcare building on a weekly basis and had major concerns about the outdoor play area.
“We can’t let the children outside. It’s just unsafe,” Ms Miller said.
Ms Miller compared the facilities to several centres in Berwick that, she says, have excellent and safe outdoor areas, equipment and resources.
“It just highlights the inequality within the service,” she said.
However, a Casey official said that, as the Doveton Maternal and Child Health Centre was not officially a childcare centre, it did not come under the same regulations.
Sharon Bahn, Casey acting manager for family and children’s services, said council officers were working to find out if more works were required at the centre, particularly the yard area.
“Council staff are now waiting on feedback from the service providers regarding their specific concerns following a recent meeting and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure this centre addresses the needs of families,” Ms Bahn said.
Ms Miller said urgent upgrades needed to be provided throughout Doveton’s family centres.
“It’s not about demand in Doveton – it’s about providing family friendly resources and the families will come,” she said.