Playmates Cottage first came to be over 35 years ago when the Chief Executive of Dubbo Base Hospital believed his staff needed good quality, reliable childcare. In 1985 we became the first facility outside the Metropolitan area to provide childcare on hospital grounds for staff and local residents.
In 2010 when planning for the redevelopment of the hospital progressed it appeared Playmates Cottage was not to be included. Letters were written to many politicians but the answer was always no! Fast forward a few more years and more detailed plans for the hospital were put in black and white. These plans confirmed that Playmates Cottage was simply not included in the redevelopment.
Multiple discussions were had with hospital administrators with the hope that they would include the childcare centre into the plans for new hospital. The answer was still no.
Further discussions were had with local politicians and local councillors. We were amazed by their support. We had to get political and the ‘Save Playmates’ movement began. Local businesses supported us with bumper stickers & t-shirts, we went back to the media and most importantly a petition was drawn up. Parents and staff volunteered time on weekends working tirelessly, and after gathering in excess of 10,000 signatures the matter went directly to the NSW State Parliament.
Cutting a long story short eventually council land was found that would suit construction of a new Playmates Cottage. Council agreed and the land was offered for free for the building of a new centre. The back-down agreement was that the centre will be paid for by the NSW Government on council owned land and after a very long battle we moved in to our new location and state-of-the-art facility on March 5th 2018!!
We are very proud to say that Playmates Cottage remains community based and owned, and not for profit. Everything we do at Playmates goes back into the centre for our children!!! We are incredibly proud of the long history of Playmates Cottage, and the journey we’ve been on. May the next 30 years be just as successful for our children, families, staff and the wider community.