Long term Family Day Care Educator retires after almost 30 years
Published on 02 February 2024
Murrindindi Shire Council’s Long term Family Day Care (FDC) Educator, Lynne Barkley has retired after almost 30 years of providing quality early childhood education and care for children in Alexandra and surrounds.
Lynne joined Council as an Educator in 1995 and has worked with hundreds of families in Murrindindi Shire during this time.
Lynne was often seen around town with children in tow, regularly offering the kids a fun outing to the park, the shops in the main street, storytime events at the Alexandra Library, and for a while attended the Buds and Blossoms intergenerational playgroup, giving the children a valuable experience that they all adored.
The children in Lynne’s care were treated like family, and over the years Lynne has seen many of the children in her care grow up and have children of their own, placing them in Lynne’s care too.
Council’s Community Wellbeing and Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said “Lynne has been a beacon of dedication and love in our community. Her commitment to providing quality early childhood education and care for nearly three decades is truly commendable.
“Lynne’s retirement marks the end of an era, but her impact on the lives of countless children and families in and around Alexandra will be felt for generations to come. On behalf of Murrindindi Shire Council, I want to express our deepest gratitude for her years of service and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”
“Becoming a Family Day Care Educator is an excellent option for people who want a rewarding and flexible career. There are a range of obvious benefits in becoming an Educator, including being your own boss, the ability to look after your own child while looking after other children, flexible work days and hours, 24/7 support from Council, and opportunities for career development and training.”
“Murrindindi Family Day Care is also offering an incentive package for anyone wanting to kick start their career as an educator. Up to $2,500 is available to assist with the purchase of resources like printers, stationary, toys, and first aid training.”
“With the current shortage of Educators across the state, it’s clear we need more wonderful Educators like Lynne. That’s why we’re encouraging people with experience in early childhood education, who might be thinking about trying something new, to consider a career as a Family Day Care Educator.”
Click here for more information about Council’s Family Day Care services or call (03) 5772 0333.