Places sought after shock childcare facility closure

THE abrupt closure on 4 February of the Future Kids Child Care and Kindergarten facility in Bacchus Marsh has left local parents scrambling to find places for their children elsewhere.

Staff at the Lismore Circuit facility were taken by surprise when on that morning they were told they no longer had jobs at the end of the day.

The Moorabool News has seen a letter to parents from Worrells, the administrator, dated 4 February saying it had been appointed voluntarily on 3 February.

“Our appointment has come about because of financial issues with the company,” the letter said.

“In discharging their duties, the directors of the company determined the company was, or was likely to become, insolvent.

“We have undertaken an urgent assessment of the company’s financial position as part of our appointment.

“This assessment has unfortunately determined that it is not financially viable to continue trading the company’s business for the immediate future.

“As a result, the company is ceasing to trade effective close of business 4 February 2026 and all three centres will be closed from this time.”

The other Future Kids centres referred to are in Williams Landing and Tarneit.

The Future Kids company was established and run by Ken Ong and his family almost 20 years ago.

Mr Ong, a former Melbourne City councillor and one-time mayoral candidate, died in 2024.

Kelly Rainbow-Holland, the Bacchus Marsh centre’s director, posted a lengthy message on the Bacchus Marsh Residents Facebook page on 5 February.

Ms Rainbow-Holland, who did not wish to speak to the Moorabool News, said in her post that she had worked for Future Kids for 10 years and described the bombshell news of the closure as “shattering and unbelievable”.

She said she had been angry and in shock after learning of the closure just 15 minutes before her staff, but immediately started thinking about how best to advocate and support the families of the children in her care.

“The only thing that came to mind was calling every centre in Bacchus Marsh to prepare them for the many calls they would now receive (with) over 100 children needing care immediately (and) to have their enrolment packs ready to go,” Ms Rainbow-Holland wrote.

“The emotional goodbyes to parents who have become friends was so hard yesterday (and) to each and every single one of you, I’m so sorry our story has ended.

“I’m so heartbroken we won’t have our morning chats, or our phone calls filled with laughter and fun.

“I appreciate you all so much for trusting my vision in providing quality care for your babies.”

A staff member, Ashleigh Wallace, also posted on the residents page.

“Being able to witness the growth and development of your children is something I hold close to my heart, especially when I was, for some, their very first educator ever,” she wrote.

“I am truly grateful for everyone I’ve met and worked with. It’s a team like no other.”

Ms Wallace described the closure as “heartbreaking”.

In response to the closure, the Moorabool Shire posted a link on its Facebook page and its website to startingblocks.gov.au, Australia’s free government website to find and compare services, in an attempt to help parents find new places.