Mayor claims Cha Cha Cha withdrew offer to buy Bassendean childcare due to ‘disturbances at other premises’

A controversial plan to sell one of Bassendean’s long-standing childcare services has been abruptly halted in a major win for local families who had rallied against the proposal. The Town of Bassendean formally ended the sale process for the Wind in the Willows childcare centre at Tuesday night’s council meeting after the sole prospective buyer, Cha Cha Cha Group Ltd Inc, withdrew from negotiations in an unexpected announcement. Mayor Kath Hamilton said at the meeting Cha Cha Cha Pty Ltd had indicated there had been some “disruption to their premises in Bayswater” and wished to withdraw from the process entirely. When The West Australian contacted the KintaCo Early Learning, Kindergarten and Childcare Bayswater, they were unaware of any “disturbances”. Cha Cha Cha Pty Ltd spokesperson said they were surprised to hear the reasoning for their withdrawal, and have since contacted the town to seek a rectified and clearer statement in the records. The spokesperson said they understood that in moments of time pressure around urgent matters things could be “misinterpreted”. “Yesterday we advised the town in writing that there are a number of material factors that have resulted in the decision to withdraw our EOI within the current process,” the spokesperson said. “Although selected as preferred proponent after a Town of Bassendean local council process and being the only eligible respondent at the close of this process, we have since been made aware there is at least one alternative not-for-profit proposal now being prepared. “Given the clear public sentiment from existing families of the centre, around preferring only not-for-profit providers, it is appropriate to respect and give space for this alternative proposal to be considered thoroughly by council, with us respectfully withdrawing to facilitate this. “Should no suitable alternative solutions emerge, we may consider re-engaging with Town of Bassendean at a later time under a fresh process/new EOI, if truly supportable by the town and community in the interests of the long-term sustainability and security of the service.” The spokesperson said they had provided “further feedback” regarding a “range of matters” and acknowledged the significant impact that “misinformation” had on upsetting their “proud and loyal” staff and parents — some of whom live in Bassendean. “Alternatively, we have offered that if the council is looking to retain the service as Town of Bassendean-operated, we are more than happy to assist with a meeting in relation to the various matters we observe are required to be addressed to secure sustainability,” they added. The town of Bassendean spokesperson said during the debate the mayor did not have access to the formal written response from Cha Cha Cha Group and acknowledges the comment was misinterpreted and taken out of context. “Following the meeting, The Mayor received the formal written response from Cha Cha Cha Group and their concerns about the misinterpretation of the Mayor’s comment,” they said. “The Mayor regrets the misinterpretation of her comment and will apologise to Cha Cha Cha Group. “She has also committed to correcting the record and has requested that the minutes of the OCM be corrected to reflect the full, accurate statement.” Parents had attended the meeting to support a motion from Cr Ken John for more time to consult the community, but instead Cr Hamilton introduced a motion of urgent business to terminate the sale process altogether, citing the buyer’s withdrawal as effectively ending any prospect of a deal. The proposed sale of Wind in the Willows, a council-run service for more than 40 years, had been at the centre of intense community backlash in recent weeks. Families opposed to the proposed privatisation had organised petitions — currently with almost 1500 signatures — door-knocking campaigns and public rallies in a bid to keep the service in the town’s hands. Despite the outcome, debate at the meeting revealed divisions between elected members about the long-term future of council-run childcare. Cr Hamilton said the Wilson Street site could still face redevelopment in the future, suggesting it may eventually be sold for housing even if it remains under council ownership for now. The council also agreed to ask chief executive Cameron Woods to explore potential State and Federal funding opportunities for a new childcare facility elsewhere in Bassendean. A special electors meeting is still scheduled for 6pm tonight at Swan Districts Football Club.