Demand for childcare services in Warrnambool, Victoria, has reached unprecedented levels, according to Brent Wilson, owner of Bright Start Childcare. Wilson, who has operated 15 daycare centers over 25 years, reported that his newest facility, which opened this month, was "bombarded" with inquiries from parents.

Data from the Warrnambool City Council indicates that there have been as many as 400 children on waitlists across the city in the past year. Before Bright Start opened, approximately 120 families were already on its waitlist. Wilson noted that the 148-place center initially opened at 80 percent capacity due to a shortage of staff. Although the center has since hired additional employees, it continues to operate below full capacity.

"You can cast the net as far as you like, but if there's no one to catch in the net, then that's just the way it is," Wilson said, highlighting the challenges of staffing in the industry.

Bright Start is not the only new facility in the area. A 107-place center is currently under construction in Warrnambool, and a permit application for another 108-place center in nearby Allansford has been submitted to the local council. Brooke Love, the director for city wellbeing at Warrnambool City Council, stated that the opening of new centers could affect staffing levels at council-run facilities.

"There's an insufficient number of people training in the sector, so of course any new centers will have to draw from the same [worker] pool in Warrnambool," Love explained. Council data shows that its centers are operating at 90 percent capacity due to staffing constraints and regulatory requirements.

Despite the staffing challenges, Love noted that the opening of new centers would help reduce waitlists for childcare services in the city. In April 2025, the council reported about 350 children on waitlists for its centers, a number that has since decreased to 160. The council is seeking funding from the Victorian government to establish an Early Years Centre of Excellence, which would involve collaboration with Deakin University and the local TAFE to enhance workforce training.

Debra Boote, head of education and creative arts at South West TAFE, reported that 44 students graduated from the TAFE's campuses in Warrnambool, Portland, Colac, and Hamilton last year, with another 170 currently enrolled. While many graduates initially find work in the childcare sector, it remains unclear how many remain in the field long-term.

In response to recent allegations of staff abuse in the Victorian childcare industry, the state government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the sector. This includes changes to working with children check regulations and a proposal for a national trial of CCTV in childcare centers. South West TAFE has also updated its entry requirements to include a working with children check prior to enrollment, along with an interview process for prospective students.

Love acknowledged that the abuse allegations have negatively impacted the perception of the childcare sector but expressed confidence that most centers adhere to safety regulations. "The majority of people do the right thing and are trained with a professional outlook," she said.