Fire shuts childcare centre

An Australind childcare centre remained closed last week after a fire took hold at the facility while children played inside.

Sixty children were being cared for at Goodstart Early Learning in Australind when a fire ignited just before midday on Friday.

All the children and staff were evacuated safely and no one was injured in the fire.

Goodstart Early Learning acting State manger Donna Di Bartolomeo said the centre’s well-practised evacuation plan was put into action and all children were moved out safely.

“A burning smell was noticed coming from the ceiling and fire brigades were called to put out the ceiling fire,” Mrs Di Bartolomeo said. “Although fire damage was limited, there was extensive smoke damage and the centre will now undergo a makeover.”

Treendale mother Juanita Goodlich said her three-year-old daughter Olivia was at the centre when the fire occurred.

“It’s every parent’s worst nightmare; I received a call around midday to say that there was a fire at the daycare centre.

“They said ‘can you come and pick up Olivia immediately? There’s been a fire’,” Mrs Goodlich said.

She said her young daughter was new to the centre and only moved there in November.

However, she praised the centre staff for their quick response.

“It just reaffirms that we made the right decision, because the staff did really well during the emergency and have been communicating with parents ever since,” she added.

“When we arrived to pick her up, she was even sitting safely in the shade.”

Mrs Goodlich said little Olivia was exhausted after the ordeal.

“She said she was thirsty and mentioned her friend was sleepy because she had to be woken up from her nap,” Mrs Goodlich added.

Olivia will be attending Goodstart Early Learning Eaton until her centre is reopened.

The East Bunbury centre will also be hosting children while new paint, carpet and resources are restored at the Australind facility.

The reopen date is yet to be confirmed.