Affinity Education Group and the entire team at Milestones Early Learning North Ipswich (previously known as Aussie Kindies North Ipswich) are excited to announce the reopening of the flood affected centre, with not only a new facelift but also a new name, for early 2023!
The Southeast Queensland floods were a devastating time for the businesses, families and the community of Ipswich. The region was impacted by heavy rainfall from the 22nd of February and the weather event only being declared receding on the 5th of April 2022. The consequences of an event of this magnitude are still being felt today by the local community, and our most impacted centre Milestones Early Learning North Ipswich.
Sheree Reilly, 3IC & ECT, Milestones North Ipswich said: “The centre was my home. I completed my placement there. I watched my daughter graduate from kindy. Met some of my closest friends. Built a family. Nurtured babies into toddlers. One moment that will always stand out in my mind is watching my beautiful trainee make her first real connection with a child. Seeing that spark and growth.”
Lisa McCarroll, Centre Cook at Milestones North Ipswich said: “As devastating as the 2022 floods were, it has brought so many more families and educators into my life as I was made welcome at one of our sister centres, Milestones Augustine heights. I have formed new friendships and bonded with fellow educators, children, and families which I will forever cherish.”
Over 887 millimeters of rain fell in February alone, more than double the monthly high in 2020, with more than 30 suburbs impacted with a minimum of one meter of rain. Over 890 properties were impacted by the floods in Ipswich alone, with 214 classified as having severe damage.
The Centre temporarily closed its doors on the 28th of February; After being severely impacted by this extreme weather event and had undergone extensive damage as a direct result of the flooding.
Since its temporary closure the Affinity Education community including Centre Support, Centre Management, Educators and the Families we care for, have been supportive throughout the processes working towards reopening the centre in early 2023.
From the extent of the damage and the timeframes in which to repair, Affinity Education Group prioritised supporting its families and team through the accommodation of children and Educators to its sister centre, Milestones Early Learning Augustine Heights, until the centre could be reopened.
Taking into account the repairs required, Affinity Education decided to give the centre a facelift and rebrand Aussie Kindies North Ipswich to its sister brand Milestones where there are more than 100 Milestones Early Learning Centres nationally, and our family of centres is growing.
Additional to the rebrand, the centre received upgrades including the playground areas, internal facilities and learning resource upgrades to further improve centre environments.
In early November, the Teachers and Educators of the Centre had the opportunity to participate in a team day and tour of the centre currently still in construction. It was an emotional experience, for many seeing the centre internally for the first time since the closure.
Gabby Heit, Area Manager at Affinity Education Group said: “To look back on what it was following the floods, and now to see everything from new learning spaces to a massive playground upgrade, was such a big moment for the team and a big step towards welcoming our families back for fun and learning.”
Enrolment for the centre is now open! Book a tour for early 2023 or enrol your child today!