Robinson River crèche a big hit with families

The Robinson River Crèche, operated by Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation, is helping to change the lives of families in the remote Northern Territory Indigenous community.

Established as part of the Australian Government’s early childhood services measures, the crèche was recently featured in the Closing the Gap: Prime Minister’s Report 2013 [PDF 15.4MB].

Roberta Kalinic has been the senior bookkeeper for Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation at Robinson River for 12 years.

“I have never been to school in my life time,” Roberta said.

“So sending my kids to the crèche at Robinson River and to see them learn skills and routines that are the foundation for their future, was the best thing I could do for them. I enjoy it so much.”

Her daughter, Curtisha has been going to the crèche since she was two years old. Curtisha now goes to pre-school in the mornings and spends the rest of her day at the crèche. Her son Develliers also attends the crèche.

“Before we had the crèche my days were so hard to manage, I had to spend my time between work and looking after my daughter. Sometimes it was so hard, I just wanted to give up work,” Roberta said.

“Now I can go to work in the morning not having to worry about my children’s safety, because I know that they are safe at the crèche and not wandering the streets or following kids to the river.”

Roberta said she was proud of the positive impact the crèche was having on her children.

“They enjoy delicious, healthy meals, celebrate cultural events and have great excursions to the chooks, goats and market garden.

“The crèche has also made a big difference to my children’s opportunity to learn from an early age.

“When Curtisha went to school this year she already knew about holding a pencil, listening to the teacher, sitting quietly for reading time, and loves the routine of crèche and school each day. So much so, that she has not missed a day of school this year.”

She said she owed a lot to the staff at the crèche and was thankful to them for the care they provide to her children, giving her the peace of mind to continue her job.

“I did not have the opportunity to go to school or college but I know how important education is for a bright future,” Roberta said.

“This chance starts at birth and the Robinson River Crèche is a very important part of providing my children the opportunity to do their best.”