Help advocate for regional childcare at upcoming launch event

The Regional Childcare Desert Advocacy Project (RCDAP), supported by LGA South Australia, is a collective of 23 councils across the north and west of the state highlighting the significant gap in childcare resourcing in the region.

The Project’s intent is to secure more state and federal government investment in childcare services in Grey and help local parents be part of South Australia’s thriving regional economy.

Event details

To officially launch the project ahead of this year’s federal election, an event will be held at the Port Broughton Foreshore on Tuesday, 4 March from 6pm.

Election candidates for the federal seat of Grey have been invited to the launch to speak on how they plan to help secure additional childcare services for the region.

The event is open for community members to come and participate in the discussion.

A free barbecue will be available and there will be a range of fun activities offered for families with children.

Background

A 2022 study by the Mitchell Institute found the electorate of Grey to be the nation’s worst when it comes to childcare accessibility.

Many parents in the community are unable to work or forced to travel long distances because of limited, or non-existent, childcare options.

Since January 2025, the RCDAP has been running a social media campaign to share personal stories about parents who are unable to work – and employers who are unable to attract workers – because of the lack of childcare services.

Councils and communities can help promote the campaign by following Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages, and encouraging others to do the same.

LGA South Australia has provided funding to support the Project.

Find out more

For more information about the launch event, or to learn more about the Regional Childcare Desert Advocacy Project, contact Policy Manager Emily Heywood-Smith at emily@capetal.com.au or 0414 596 052.