The Roxby Downs Early Childhood Project is funded by BHP and provided by Uni Hub Spencer Gulf in collaboration with Central Queensland University.

As part of the national Regional University Study Hubs program, Uni Hub Spencer Gulf assists students in rural or remote communities like those in Roxby Downs to access higher education without having to leave their hometowns.

So far, the project has attracted 10 participants since starting in early 2023, six of which are working at the Roxby Downs Children’s Centre – the only childcare centre in town.

Four of the working participants gained employment at the centre following the launch of the project, while two were already working there but had to commence study to stay on.

Participants undertake a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, a 12-month program, but can work in the field while studying.

Sue Barry, project lead and the Copper Coast Centre Manager for Uni Hub Spencer Gulf, said that prior to the addition of these educators there was staff shortages and high turnover at the centre.

“It’s an ongoing project now because of the success,” Barry said.

“So we have a rolling intake of people which has now allowed the centre to be able to operate at capacity and not be restrictive with how many places they can offer families in Roxby.”

Aside from addressing the workforce shortage, Barry said the project benefitted the community in other ways.

She said the project has not only provided work for people but helped those who could not afford the training as well.

“So that’s given them the opportunity to reach their own personal and career goals to be able to work in the early childhood field,” she said.

“But also the broader community can now access early childhood which will then flow on to the workforce availability for Olympic Dam and the other services that support the town.

“It’s just given people an opportunity to try something new. It’s a chance for the Roxby Downs Children’s Centre to find the talent that’s existing in their own communities and build on that, and build a sustainable workforce.”

Barry said access to training in remote areas rather than a lack of interest in childcare employment caused the workforce issues and that Uni Hub was there to help.

“We’ve connected the dots for everybody which is what we do,” she said.

“To build that capacity within communities and to build the capacity in the workforce, but also so communities can be self-sustaining as far as finding their own talent and building their own professional workforce.”

South Australians wanting to obtain approved early childhood qualifications can now apply for financial assistance through the QualifySA in Early Childhood Financial Support Program, and eligible students from remote communities can also get up to $10,000 over the course of their study to offset related costs.

The initiative is part of the state government’s Early Childhood Workforce Strategy, a $96.6 million plan commenced in June aimed at upskilling and growing the childcare workforce ahead of the universal rollout of three-year-old preschool from 2026.