Childhood centre beats the odds

BY JIMMY NESS - THE WELLINGTONIAN

The Bowen Early Childhood Education Centre has overcome amazing odds to stay open, including having to move its building to a new location.

Staff had to move the centre because the land it occupied at Bowen Hospital was being developed.

Centre manager Nicky Carroll described the two-year process as an emotional ordeal.

"I was watching all of our hard work finally come to fruition and just hoping the building didn't fall off the truck," she said.

Parents, community members and local businesses helped the non-profit organisation raise the funds needed for consents and contractors.

A grant of about $20,000 helped pay for the transport of the building.

"We were really lucky with all the help we received.

"No-one makes any money, so it was all voluntary," Ms Carroll said.

Architects drew up new plans for the centre which doubled in size.

"Our first location didn't work out and there were many times that we thought we may have to close," centre chairman Richard Justice said.

"We actually came within two weeks of having to make the horrible decision."

The centre is now located at the front of Cardinal McKeefry School in Wilton, and employs seven staff.

"The place is a lot bigger and the kids were really excited by the time we moved there," Mr Justice said.

"It was a blessing in disguise.

"It was important to keep the place open because it is one of a few community childhood centres and I think it offers a better standard of care because of that."