Parents cried tears of joy on Tuesday night after Hobsons Bay council unanimously voted not to act on a motion to outscource Altona Meadows and Altona North early learning centres.
More than 100 parents, children and Australian Services Union representatives had rallied in front of the council chamber to support the centres, which provide childcare for more than 200 children.
As reported by the Weekly in December, 80 childcare staff had to reapply for their jobs.
If successful, staff would retain their pay but only until their current enterprise agreement ran out in 2016.
A petition against the outsourcing, signed by more than 600, was tabled at last night’s council meeting.
An independent review of the centres, which examines “voracity of finances” and other factors, will be undertaken.
Mother Rachel Hart said she was “pleasantly surprised” that all councillors had supported the decision to put outsourcing on hold.
“I think the process just starts now in terms of consultation and, as parents, we’ve got to be absolutely involved in that process to let them know what we think about the future of childcare in Hobsons Bay.”
