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Council & Business

2 May, 2025

The Nest forced to close

Despite advocates best efforts The Nest has closed until further funding can be found.

By Niamh Sutton

The Nest forced to close - feature photo

Despite ongoing advocacy across state and federal governments, Central Goldfields Shire Council has been unsuccessful in securing much needed fund-ing to continue the work of Go Goldfields.

Without adequate funding, Go Goldfields’ incentives including The Nest facility are now unable to continue operation until further notice.

In February this year, The Nest was forced to reduce its opening hours due to insufficient funding.

Since then, their previous funding has been exhausted, forcing the facility to discontinue drop-in sessions from Monday, April 28.

The Nest cannot re-open until sufficient funding from the state or federal government is obtained.

Central Goldfields Shire interim CEO Sally Jones acknowledged the closure of The Nest and the threat to the award-winning Go Goldfields’ work over the years will also dismay local service providers.

“We have embraced and embedded many new practices and responsibilities to support the ongoing momentum of Every Child, Every Chance, but the reality is that as a financially challenged rural council, we are unable to maintain some critical elements without additional financial support from federal or state government,” she said.

Free programs that have been made available to parents and carers through The Nest over the past 12 months include peer to peer parenting programs, a dad’s group, infant first aid training, kinder registration, kinder preparation, and legal services.

“We are seeking appropriate funding for a sustained period to continue the work of Go Goldfields. This funding would allow us to fund a full-time facilitator for The Nest, deliver the localised evidence-based parenting program and employ a Every Child, Every Chance Project Officer,” Ms Jones said.

The council is also continuing to seek funding to allow The Nest to operate again.

“It remains our goal that funding will be secured within the next few months so The Nest can reopen to the community, however at this stage we are unable to continue the program due to the current funding being exhausted,” Ms Jones said.

She has extended her thanks and gratitude to staff who have contributed to Go Goldfields.

“I’d particularly like to acknowledge our wonderful staff and service providers and the passion, tenacity and expertise of Go Goldfields’ executive officer and manager children and families Carolyn Bartholomeusz who has worked relentlessly to avoid this outcome,” Ms Jones said.

“I’d also like to recognise the support of the Go Goldfields Leadership Table — particularly our community representatives, who have been instrumental in supporting this innovative and impactful work.”

The community is advised to advocate to local ministers with the hopes funding can be secured in the near future.

“If you have the opportunity, we encourage you to chat to our local state and federal members about why Go Goldfields and The Nest is important to you,” Ms Jones said.

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