Griffith University has announced the closure of its childcare centres, Boronia and Tallowwood, located on the Nathan campus, effective December 17, 2023. The decision has left staff and parents in shock, as the centres provide essential early childhood education for children aged three months to five years.
The university cited the need for renovations as the reason for the closures, which will occur just two months after parents filled out enrolment forms for the 2026 academic year. A spokesperson for Griffith University stated that the centres would reopen in the first half of 2026, with plans to lease them to a third-party operator.
Impact on Families and Staff
Parents received the news through memos dispatched shortly before 10:00 AM on Thursday. One parent, who wished to remain anonymous due to their employment at Griffith, expressed deep concern for the childcare workers, many of whom have dedicated nearly three decades to the centres. “I felt sick for the childcare workers,” the parent said. “My daughter learnt to walk through daycare, and is learning to talk there too. They deserve a lot better than that.”
Staff members, who make up a significant portion of the parent body, are now evaluating flexible leave arrangements to care for their own children in the upcoming year. The childcare centres offer salary-packaging benefits for Griffith employees, further complicating the situation for those affected.
University’s Justification and Future Plans
In its memo to staff, Griffith University explained that the closures are part of a broader review of assets that no longer align with the institution’s core mission of delivering high-quality education and research. The memo outlined that various options for continuing the service were explored, including partnering with local providers, but none provided a viable path to upgrade facilities or improve services.
While Griffith University has not disclosed the name of the private company expected to lease the childcare centres, it confirmed that negotiations are underway. A spokesperson acknowledged the impact of the proposal on families and staff, stating, “We are working to support staff who are impacted with a range of flexible arrangements.”
As the closure date approaches, parents and staff are left to navigate the changes, with many expressing concern over the future of early childhood education on campus. The reaction underscores the vital role that these childcare centres play in the community, particularly for those affiliated with Griffith University.
