Childcare staff are in high demand across Australia as increasing numbers of workers leave for better-paid jobs in areas such as aged care.
But some towns in regional Western Australia are so desperate for childcare workers that they are offering up to $150,000 a year to attract and retain staff.
Those wishing to work in the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Kimberley and Goldfields can earn an exorbitant salary depending on their qualifications.
The huge salaries are needed to attract childcare workers traveling to and from mining towns (FIFO), where staff shortages have left some services at risk of closure.
Full-time FIFO staff work on a two-week on, one week off payroll.
“The payment rate is based on the casual award rate, with a daily allowance for living away from home,” said One Tree Community Services Executive Director Karri Hillier. 7News.
One Tree is a not-for-profit organisation that recently received funding from the state government for its new 12-month Regional Early Years Learn and Lead (REYLL) project.
This will assist child care providers in the area with recruiting, training and resources.
It is difficult to retain childcare staff (pictured) across Australia as workers often leave for better-paid jobs in other areas, such as aged care.
But some cities in regional Western Australia are so desperate for childminders that they are now offering up to $150,000 a year to attract and retain staff. Pictured is King George Falls in Kimberley, WA
One Tree will assist REYLL programme services in recruiting and training local workers, but where there are gaps, these will be filled by its EduTribe FIFO casual workers.
Hillier said the flexibility, freedom and adventure of rural life are attractive to many workers looking for a change.
“It is also very rewarding as it provides the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families, while benefiting communities and businesses,” he said.
‘FIFO also offers the opportunity to “try before you buy.”
“Some of our FIFO staff have chosen to relocate and live locally when they have found a centre they love.”
Late last year, the Australian Childcare Alliance (ACA) released data showing the sector’s “current jobs crisis” meant thousands of Australian families were unable to secure childcare places.
“Our members have reported for years that staff recruitment and retention is one of the biggest problems in the sector,” ACA president Paul Mondo said at the time.
An aerial view of Porosis Creek and Naturalist Island, Prince Frederick Harbour, Kimberley Coast, WA, is shown. Kimberley is one of the areas trying to attract high-wage childcare workers.
“There is a critical need for more government support to help attract and retain early learning educators.”
Tensions were especially felt in regional cities, often called “daycare deserts”, where there are more than three children for every place.
“In rural and remote communities, some childcare centres are operating at 60 per cent capacity due to staff shortages,” said Ms Hillier. “Some have had to close.”
WA’s regional mining towns are hoping the lure of earning up to $150,000 a year will solve the problem in their areas.