New hub delivers childcare boost for JuliaCreek families and workforce
Published on 13 July 2026
13th July 2026
New hub delivers childcare boost for Julia Creek families and workforce
Media assets available: hi-res images and Mayor Janene Fegan video grab: https://lgaqdam.intelligencebank.com/customshare/index/80ENv
The Julia Creek Community Children's Services Hub is now open, marking a major milestone in expanding access to early childhood education and care for families across McKinlay Shire.
The purpose-built $8.8 million facility features dedicated spaces for babies, toddlers, kindy-aged children and after-school care, with capacity for up to 70 children when fully staffed. By significantly increasing childcare availability, the hub will support local families, help attract and retain workers, and strengthen the liveability and long-term prosperity of McKinlay Shire.
Mayor Janene Fegan said the Children's Services Hub was an investment in the future of Julia Creek and the wider region.
“Julia Creek is a growing regional town with a strong community of young families and access to early childhood education is essential to that growth,” she said.
“Our current childcare centre had been at capacity for some time, which was having flow-on impacts to our economy and the liveability of the shire.
“This new centre meets a growing demand and enables council to attract the best and brightest to the shire ensuring current and new residents have access to a safe and purpose-built early learning centre for their children – our most precious asset.”
The project was delivered through a partnership between the Queensland Government, the Federal Government, McKinlay Shire Council and South32.
Project funding:
- Queensland Government – Resources Community Infrastructure Fund (RCIF): $6,296,300
- Federal Government – Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program: $700,484
- South32 Cannington: $75,000
- McKinlay Shire Council: $1,781,614
The Children's Services Hub has also been furnished through funding from the Queensland Government's Gambling Community Benefit Fund, ensuring the facility is fully equipped from day one.
South32 Cannington Vice President Operations Rob Jackson said the hub will support local families and attract workers.
“We are proud to support the delivery of the Julia Creek Community Children's Services Hub, which will provide vital early childhood education and care services to our neighbouring communities in Northwest Queensland,” he said.
“Cannington has partnered with McKinlay Shire Council since 2020 on various projects to support the design and operation of the new facility, so it is great to see the centre up and running.
“The hub will not only support many of the working families that already live in the region but may also help attract skilled workers to these communities through quality early childhood education and care facilities.”
Now operational, the hub provides early childhood education and care for children from six weeks of age through to school age, giving local families greater access to childcare while helping meet growing demand across Julia Creek.
Mayor Fegan said the completion of the project reflected council's commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports local families and strengthens the future of McKinlay Shire.
"This project is the result of a strong partnership between all levels of government, industry and council, and I'd like to sincerely thank everyone who played a part in bringing it to completion.
"I'd particularly like to acknowledge the Queensland Government, the Federal Government, South32 Cannington, Peak Services, our project consultants, contractors and everyone involved in delivering this important community asset.
"This facility will provide lasting benefits for local children and families, ensuring our community has access to the early childhood education and care services it needs now and into the future."
END MEDIA RELEASE.
Media Release(PDF, 394KB)
Word Count: 562
Contact: Mayor Janene Fegan - McKinlay Shire Council
mayor@mckinlay.qld.gov.au
(07) 4746 7166