Community support, strategic changes get kindy back on track
Jan Munro (Vice President-Community Member), Tessa Bailey (Secretary), Kate Gadenne (Social/Fundraiser Coordinator), Brooklyn Coyle-Hollis (President), Wayne Parcell (AGM Independent Chair), Kim Palmer (Kindy Service Manager), Jeshanah Erb (Treasurer), Scott Green (WSH Coordinator).
The ‘Little Kindy that Could’
Mapleton’s Range Community Kindergarten has become known as “The Little Kindy that Could” after a remarkable financial turnaround, which has breathed new life into its operations.
The Kindy, led by President Brooklyn Hollis, shared its achievements at the recent Annual General Meeting held on February 27, 2024. In a testament to community spirit and determination, the kindergarten committee’s efforts raised over $90,000 through grants and fundraising and turned a challenging financial position around.
“From eight years running at a loss to making a profit in 2023,” Brooklyn told the AGM. “We are now a financially stable and strong kindy. But it was a tough time. It’s a good news story for us to turn a profit of $17,000, this was a big achievement.”
A key milestone was the successful increase in enrolment capacity from 20 to 27 children, enhancing both the kindy’s financial stability and its educational outreach.
“This allows more children to benefit from early learning right here on the Range, reinforcing our ties within the local schooling ecosystem,” Brooklyn said. The committee has also focused on deepening connections with local organizations and businesses, including The Blackall Range Lions Club, The Mapleton Men’s Shed, MADCA, and local businesses such as Roger Loughnan Real Estate.
“These partnerships reflect the essence of community-centric education and support.”
A significant rebranding effort and nearly $100,000 in improvement projects have further revitalised the kindy, ensuring it remains a safe, vibrant, and engaging place for children.
These upgrades, coupled with a revised organisational structure introducing a Service Manager role, aim to bolster compliance, governance, and long-term viability.
With six members from the previous committee continuing their service, the kindy is poised for a future filled with growth and ongoing improvements. “The committee continuity ensures stability as we embed these changes, aiming always to enhance our offering,” Brooklyn said, looking forward to another fruitful year for the Range Community Kindergarten.
The meeting was attended by MVA President and mayoral candidate Wayne Parcell who acted as independent chair.