Three WA towns lose childcare centres, families face 80km daily drives
Three childcare centres in WA will close in coming months, forcing families to drive 80 kilometres for care.
Childcare provider Uplyft is closing centres in Mount Barker, Kojonup and Katanning by the end of December 2026 and first half of 2027. The company cites lease conditions that make the isolated services unviable.
Affected parents say they will have to take time off work or drive 80 kilometres a day to access alternative childcare. One mechanic said the additional fuel costs add financial strain on top of rising interest rates.
Across Australia, 152 childcare services closed permanently between 2024 and mid-2026, with another 276 at risk by July 2027. Rising inflation and high running costs are pushing regional centres toward closure.
- Mount Barker, Kojonup, Katanning
- Towns affected
- 370 kilometres south of Perth
- Mount Barker distance
- 80 kilometres
- Daily commute distance
- 152 between 2024 and mid-2026
- Services closed nationally
Why it mattersFamilies are losing childcare access in their towns, forcing hard choices between work and caring for children.
AustraliaThree rural Western Australian communities are losing childcare centres, with families across Australia facing similar closures as hundreds of services shut.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
