We are delighted to announce that Windsor Community Children’s Centre will remain open for 2026, giving stability, security and confidence to the whole community.

Swinburne University of Technology has confirmed that WCCC can continue operating on the Union Street site for 2026. Swinburne and the City of Stonnington will work together to take the next steps to finalise a transaction to secure the long-term future of this purpose-built, not-for-profit, community-run centre.

This outcome has been made possible because of the coordinated effort of every level of government together with Swinburne University:

Stonnington City Council under the leadership of Mayor Melina Sehr, has made the protection of public childcare a priority, voting unanimously four times to protect the centre throughout this campaign and stepping up to become the new custodians of this public land ensuring the continued operations of WCCC.

The Federal Government through Minister Walsh, Minister Clare and local Member for Macnamara Josh Burns have advocated consistently for a solution that protects children, educators and families and ensured Commonwealth funding backed that commitment—demonstrating what federal responsibility for early learning really looks like.

The Victorian Government including Minister Tierney and Minister Pearson have recognised that keeping this public land in community hands serves the public good and have outlined the steps for the sale of public land at a lower value.

Swinburne University, as a public institution, has chosen to honour the educational purpose of the site and leave a positive legacy for future generations of local children,honouring the educational purpose of this public land.

This moment belongs to our community. The resilience and professionalism of our educators, who have continued to support children and families with extraordinary steadiness during years of uncertainty, has been nothing short of remarkable. Our families have shown deep commitment to WCCC, speaking up with compassion, persistence and love for this place.

Our supporters across the wider community include unions, peak bodies and parliamentarians across the political divide who have stood beside us throughout the journey– writing letters, attending meetings, sharing information and lending their voices to a collective effort that has truly made a difference. We extend our heartfelt thanks. WCCC will remain open because people came together across government and institutions to protect something important.

There is still important work ahead. All levels of government, together with Swinburne University, will need to continue acting with a shared purpose in 2026 to complete the transaction and protect the public land at 131-133 Union St, Windsor VIC 3181 as a permanent home for WCCC. We are committed to working constructively with every stakeholder through the next phase.