CLOSED: Save BCEYLC Petition to Indigo Shire Council

This petition is addressed to:

Indigo Shire Council
PO Box 27 Beechworth VIC 3747
Or info@indigoshire.vic.gov.au

The undersigned request that Indigo Shire Council:

1. Formally rescind the Mayday Hills early years learning centre lease decision to award the lease to Alpine Children's Services made on March 25.

2. Expedite a fair, policy-informed process to select a provider that meets the urgent needs of children, families, educators and employers, in line with council policies and strategic plans:

• Community Engagement Policy 2021

• Community Engagement Strategy 2022–2025

• Council Plan 2021–2025

• Indigo Shire Early Years Strategy 2020–2025

Stop the forced displacement of a trusted local childcare and kinder and kinder provider. Demand a fair, transparent process.

On March 25, 2025, Indigo Shire Council voted to award the lease for the Mayday Hills Early Years Facility to Alpine Children’s Services (ACS) — an external provider based in another shire.

This decision will displace the Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEYLC) — a beloved, locally run service that has supported generations of families for 37 years. It also disregards a shovel-ready plan to increase urgently needed childcare capacity by 22 places per day from May 2025.

The decision was made without community consultation, with no clear explanation as to how this benefits the community or reduces the waitlist, and in direct contradiction to Council’s own policies and strategic priorities. Hundreds of families, educators, and community members have raised serious concerns — and many remain unanswered.

❗ What’s Wrong with This Decision?
🔹 No community engagement: Despite being a high-impact decision, Council failed to consult the community before or during the process.

🔹 Flawed and opaque process: Council has not explained how ACS was deemed a stronger applicant than BCEYLC under the selection criteria. Critical risks were overlooked or rated “low” without basis.

🔹 Local voices ignored: Over 100 people submitted public questions before the vote, which were never properly answered and over 260 community members have endorsed a formal complaint (submitted to ISC on March 30).

🔹 Real harm to real people: Local educators are facing job loss, children will lose familiar carers, and families will face disruptions and uncertainty. All for a provider that offers no immediate increase in capacity, and potentially pays staff less, and charges parents more. 

🧡 Our Community Deserves Better
This isn’t just about a lease. It’s about trusted relationships, community values, and giving children the stability they need to thrive. It's about attracting and keeping skill and capability in Indigo Shire, ensuring our community is resilient and strong.

Help us protect what matters most. Sign this petition today and stand up for Beechworth families.