An independent Queensland childcare provider has opened its first Sunshine Coast centre in Australia’s largest masterplanned community.
Joy Early Learning opened a new centre in the Aura suburb of Banya in June, with a second centre planned for Moffat Beach later this year.
The expansion comes as another childcare provider, Aspire Early Education, prepares to open a centre in Aura in early 2027, with construction already underway.
The purpose-built centre caters for up to 142 children from eight weeks through to six years of age across nursery, toddler, junior kindy, pre-kindy and kindergarten programs.
It features three outdoor playgrounds, sensory retreat spaces and an onsite chef preparing daily meals.
Stockland development director Josh Sondergeld said the new centre would add to the community’s education and childcare options as Aura’s current population of 16,000 residents grows.
“With more families choosing Aura as the place to raise children, it’s important that we continue to deliver the services and facilities that support every stage of life,” he said.
“The early years play a critical role in a child’s development and we’re pleased to welcome a provider that shares our commitment to creating a positive learning environment where children can thrive and families feel supported.”
Mr Sondergeld added that Stockland was focused on providing access to quality education as the community grows.
“We already have an additional early learning centre under construction which will open next year, as well as future plans for a university and TAFE,” he said.
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Joy Early Learning general manager Amanda Fraser said Aura’s family-focused community made it a suitable location for the independent provider.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from local families and it’s been wonderful to see children walking and scootering to the centre each morning,” she said.
“That sense of belonging from the very first day is exactly what we hoped to create.
“We’ve already begun building meaningful connections with local schools and sporting groups, and we’re looking forward to becoming an active part of the wider community alongside the children and families we support.”
The opening has created about 40 jobs, with additional work for local cleaning, gardening and maintenance businesses.
The centre is eligible for the Child Care Subsidy and the Queensland Government’s Free Kindy program.
