The practical stuff
Parent information
Fees, Child Care Subsidy (CCS), enrolment, policies, packing lists – and the parenting resources we actually trust. All in one place.
Fees & the child care subsidy
Most families pay far less than the full fee
Stuck on any of it? We’ll sit down with you and work through the whole thing together. Forms shouldn’t stand between your child and great care.
How the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) works
The Australian Government’s CCS is paid directly to us and comes straight off your bill — you only ever pay the gap. How much you get depends on your family income, your activity (work, study, looking for work), and how many children you have in care.
How to claim (it's easier than it sounds)
- Apply for CCS through your Centrelink online account via myGov — ideally before your child starts.
- Bring your CRN (Customer Reference Number) to enrolment.
- We’ll help you link your child’s enrolment so the subsidy flows automatically.
Services Australia: Child Care Subsidy
Starting Blocks: Fee estimator
The 3 Day Guarantee
– Big News for Families
Since January 2026, the old activity test is gone. Under the 3 Day Guarantee, every eligible family can access at least 3 days (72 hours per fortnight) of subsidised care — regardless of how much you work or study. That’s a genuine game-changer around here. If one parent is between rosters, studying, caring for family, or at home with a new baby – your child still gets their subsidised days, and you still get the routine.
Higher
Subsidy Rates
Higher subsidy rates apply for lower-income families — up to 90% of the fee covered. And the Additional Child Care Subsidy (ACCS) can cover up to the full fee for grandparent carers, families experiencing temporary financial hardship, and families transitioning from income support to work. If money is the thing standing between your child and care, talk to us before you rule it out.
From "just looking" to first drop-off
Enrolment & your first day
1. Come see the Centre
Meet the educators, ask everything.
2. Enrolment pack
Meet the educators, ask everything.
3. Orientation visits
A couple of short stay-and-play visits with you there, so the room, the faces and the routine feel familiar before day one.
4. First day
Shorter is fine. Tears (yours) are normal. We’ll send you a photo by morning tea.
What to pack?
Sun-safe hat (wide brim or bucket — no caps)
At least one full change of clothes (two for toddlers - trust us)
A lunch box to fuel little learners
Water bottle, labelled
Comfort item for sleep time, if your child has one
Bottles/formula or expressed milk for babies, labelled
Any medication, in original packaging, with a current action plan
Settling in:
What actually helps
Keep goodbyes short, warm and consistent
same words, same hug, then go. Lingering makes it harder for everyone (mostly you).
Talk about day care at home by educator name:
“Miss [Name] will be there!”
Expect a wobble in week two or three
it’s normal, and it passes.
Call us any time during the day to check in
Genuinely, any time. No one will think you’re “that parent.” You’re just a parent
The questions everyone asks
FAQs
What are your opening hours?
6:00am–6:00pm, Monday to Friday, every weekday except public holidays.
What ages do you accept?
From around 6 weeks old through to school age, across five rooms: Nursery, Toddlers, Senior Toddlers, Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten. See our rooms →
Do you offer the funded kindergarten (Free Kindy) program?
Yes — our kindergarten is a Queensland Government Approved Kindergarten Program led by a qualified Early Childhood Teacher, with funded kindy hours reducing your costs in your child’s year before school.
Are meals, nappies and sunscreen included?
Yes, meals are prepared fresh by our in-house chef and nappies, wipes and sunscreen are all included, along with all learning materials. No surprise extras.
Can grandparents or other family do pick-up?
Absolutely — anyone you’ve listed as an authorised person can collect your child. Just keep your list up to date with us.
My roster changes constantly. Can you work with that?
Talk to us. We can’t promise miracles on full days, but we’ll always try to work with roster patterns where places allow — and we’ll be straight with you about what’s possible.
How will I know how my child's day went?
Daily updates — photos, stories, meals, sleeps — sent to your phone via Storypark, plus a real conversation at pick-up. Both parents can receive updates, wherever you’re working.
How does the Child Care Subsidy work?
See our Fees & Subsidy section above — short version: apply via myGov, bring us your CRN, and we’ll help you set it all up. Most families pay far less than the full fee, and every eligible family now gets at least 3 subsidised days under the 3 Day Guarantee.
Do you have vacancies?
Childcare places across the Mackay region are in high demand, so we encourage you to enquire early — including for babies due later this year. If your preferred days are full, we’ll add you to our waitlist and keep you posted honestly.
Come and see it for yourself.
Tours take about 30 minutes, children are welcome, and we'll answer all of your questions. Book a Tour or call 07 4806 3610
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri | 6am - 6pm
Sat - Sun | Closed
Contact
Phone: 07 4806 3610
Location: 22 Creek Street, Walkerston
