A child care centre with heart and soul - that's what two resourceful women were determined to create.
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It was 10 years ago when Judith Boag and Pirkko Monds found themselves in a position to realise their dream; best quality care for a small group of children in a warm nurturing environment.
After a long search, Judith and Pirkko found the perfect spot - two adjoining blocks in a quiet street in the village of Millthorpe.
They converted the house on one block into a child care centre and turned the other block into a magical garden.
Millthorpe Children's garden (MCG) was born.
The early years were difficult for the fledgling business as the intake area was still small.
But then many professional young families came to choose the area as home after council planning regulations were altered.
Everyone associated with MCG were highly supportive, from the residents of Millthorpe who catered for the grand opening by the then federal minister Peter Andre and John Sloane at the local post office who arranged for local banking to all the families who were delighted to find a Steiner- inspired childcare centre in their midst.
In 10 years the staff numbers have grown with the centre, some staying and learning the Steiner philosophy, others studying on traineeships.
The centre was fortunate to have Jessica Horne come all the way from New Zealand to be the centre's first fully trained Steiner teacher.
"It was a leap of faith for all concerned", Judith said.
"Jessica was tireless in her devotion to the centre and remains friends with many residents even though she long ago moved on to further study."
MCG is much sought after for child care due to its uniqueness.
What makes this centre so different?
1. MCG caters for only 20 children, from babies to pre-schoolers. Its boutique size allows for individual care, it caters to the unique needs of individual families and children.
2. The Steiner inspiration affects not only the curriculum but also means more natural play materials, and a focus on the garden and physical environment, allowing creative open- ended play.
3. The garden is large and welcoming with many special spaces for outdoor play among mature trees and vegetable gardens.
4. Staff organise family and community oriented festivals twice a year, where up to 100 children and adults come to celebrate the change of seasons and share a meal.
While they have stepped back from the day-to-day running of the centre, licencees, Judith and Pirkko are both still involved behind the scenes.
They are justly proud of MCG - of the warm caring environment it provides for children and the dedication of the staff who continue to maintain the very high standards. Lisa Curle who has been the director for many years guides the centre with competence and compassion.
Over the years, many visitors come to see how the centre operates.
TAFE and university students gain practical experience there, taking their knowledge of this unique centre through their own careers in child care.
One of the greatest pleasures for staff is to meet up with the young people who passed through the centre's doors years ago and hear about their memories from seemingly far-off days.