the best start in life - SDN Children's Services

The Prime Minister visits SDN Erskineville
to talk about his child care vision
In recognition of the great work being done in SDN’s centres
to provide not only quality child care but an educational
program for all children, the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd,
spoke to his 2020 vision for child care at our Erskineville
Early Learning Centre.
Accompanied by the Minister for Housing and the Status of
Women, Tanya Plibersek, the Parliamentary Secretary for Early
Childhood Education and Child Care, Maxine McKew, and
a large media contingent, the Prime Minister spent an hour
touring the centre on April 17 with Ginie Udy and Centre
Manager Zoe Heaton, talking with children and staff.
The Prime Minister chose SDN because we successfully
combine long day care and preschool education in one
location. Commenting on our 100-year history he said:
“SDN is an organisation which has been going since 1905
and it has always had a particular commitment to the needs
of kids and littlies in Inner City Sydney.”
Recognition for 102 years of child
care provision
The Lord Mayor, Clover Moore MP, unveiled a plaque at 126
Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo on December 7, to commemorate
SDN’s first child care centre. 102 years ago to the day, the Sydney
Crèche Association opened for business in this terrace house.
Coincidentally, the family living at No.126 is a member of our
Woolloomooloo child care centre.
The ceremony began with Uncle Max Eulo of the Gadigal people
giving the Welcome to Country. Speakers included SDN President,
Darren Mitchell, the Lord Mayor, SDN Board member and Chair
of the History Committee, Effie Bland, and Department of
Housing Sydney Division General Manager, Kathy Roil.
Guests included relatives of first Vice-President Marguerite Fairfax
– Didie Alker, Dinie Bishop and Ruth Armytage AM – as well as
Councillor Robyn Kemmis from the City of Sydney Council,
Professor Deborah Brennan from the University of NSW, and
Dr Bronwyn Hanna from the NSW Department of Planning
Heritage Office. After the official ceremony, the celebrations
continued at our Woolloomooloo centre.
10 the best start in life