Annual Report 08/09 - City of Whyalla - SA.Gov.au

• Continuation of work with localcommunity organisationsto promote healthy living andparticipation in sport and physicalactivity.• Development and maintenanceof a Whyalla sport and recreationwebsite.• Provision of “safe environment”training for local sporting groups.• Provision of “Easy Moves for ActiveAgeing” workshops for communitymembers.• Creation of a localised “gettingstarted” booklet that promoteshealthy lifestyles.Child Care CentreThe centre caters for 0 to 5-yearolds,is licensed for 68 childrenand recorded an average 73%occupancy rate for the year. This isslightly down on 2006/2007 (77%),2005/2006 (78%) and 2004/2005(74%) – believed to reflect changingeconomic conditions and theexistence of a privately operatedchild care centre, which gives thecommunity an opportunity of choice.All policies, procedures and shortand long-term goals were reviewedand updated as per the annualrequirement.Staff were trained in manualhandling, managing children withautism, communicating with families,food safety, behaviour guidance,Council OHS & W, and Sudden InfantDeath Syndrome.A number of organisations visitedthe centre as part of programmedactivities include such organisationsas SA Ambulance, be activecommunity and recreation officer,SA Metropolitan Fire Service anddental hygienists, along with parentsfrom culturally diverse backgroundspreparing meals and staff membersbringing in their pets.The centre achieved relevantaccreditations including Start RightEat Right program, Departmentof Health food audit and AsthmaFriendly Centre program. Workcontinued to prepare for NationalChild Care accreditation due inAugust, 2009.Other initiatives implementedincluded a new computer program,Spike 3, and a trainee employedthrough the Youth Employmentprogram.Fundraising enabled the purchaseof new play equipment, totalling$1,873.64 from such activitiesas Christmas barbecue, familyphotographs, nametags and toycatalogues.In 2009/2010, the centre plans tobe involved in the Whyalla Showand Christmas pageant, seekre-accreditation in the Sun-Safeprogram, complete the National ChildCare accreditation process, undertakea hand-washing presentation by aCouncil environmental health officer,and install seating in the 2 to 5 year’splay area to provide appropriatespace for outdoor reading programs.TOP: Special slow-release wateringtechniques being used to try to savestressed drought-affected streettrees. BOTTOM: Council’s child carecentre provided an ever-changingarray of programs including plantingand nurturing a vegetable garden,and then eating the produce.21