Riddells Creek incident updates

In response to public commentary and questions surrounding the current and future situation of the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool/building in Riddells Creek.

Quotes attributable to Mayor Dom Bonanno, Macedon Ranges Shire Council:

On the lease situation: References to Council delaying – or being late on starting – the lease renewal process for the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool site in Riddells Creek are incorrect.

Under Council's Lease and Licence Policy, Council is required to contact tenants prior to the end of their lease to commence negotiating a new lease. Council began this process for this site in good faith well prior to the tragic incident, with the service provider party to the lease – previously the Parent Committee – unable to confirm their intentions until recent weeks.

Following the incident and in light of the lease ending this month, the Parent Committee had signalled its intent to Council to allow Uniting Vic.Tas to take on the role of service provider. Council has hence been working closely with Uniting Vic.Tas – and other parties including the Department of Education and other relevant government departments – on the lease and licence process for the Crown land.

On the building situation: Various works to assess and repair the building and site, to make it fit-for-purpose, are continuing and being prioritised separate to the lease situation.

In reference to the offers of tradespeople and others willing to jump in and assist, we are so grateful for this community spirit and generosity, however it is not as simple as allowing anyone to jump in and complete these works on what is a heritage-listed building – we have further works now underway through relevant trades and they will be completed as soon as possible.

On Council’s focus: As stated earlier, as the building owner – but also broadly to support continuity of an early years service for the community, and continuity for parents and children: Council is working diligently to ensure the building is safe and ready to welcome children back as soon as possible if the desire for that service remains, cognisant of the traumatic event and the sensitive approach required as well as the different stakeholders involved.

It is difficult for us or the service provider to put a timeline on the future of this site at this stage. Despite prioritising a resolution with all parties with best intentions, the situation is unlikely to be resolved by the start of Term 1, hence service provider Uniting Vic.Tas organising an alternative location to operate from at Riddells Creek Primary School.

As the owner of the building (which is on Crown Land, leased out by Council), Council would like to provide the following updates in relation to the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool in Riddells Creek, following the truck incident in November 2024.

Quotes attributable to Maria Weiss, Acting CEO, Macedon Ranges Shire Council:

Council is working diligently to ensure the building is safe and ready to welcome children back as soon as possible, cognisant of the traumatic event and the sensitive approach required, as well as the different stakeholders involved.

Practically, the incident resulted in several impacts to the building and services, including the surrounding grounds and facilities. This included impacts that have already been rectified – such as the removal of three damaged trees – and other impacts to the building and grounds that are being prioritised for repair.

Following a break in available tradespeople due to the Christmas/New Year period, work is expected to resume next week to then continue throughout January, so residents will notice trades in and around the building.

Practical fixes aside, the nine-year lease for the building ends in mid-January 2025 and Council is working with relevant stakeholders to develop a new lease agreement, including new provider Uniting Vic.Tas. There are also other approvals that will need to be facilitated by Victorian Government authorities and the Department of Education prior to the service resuming.

There are clear and diligent processes in place for these aspects and while this can take some time, Council is prioritising the process. We will continue to provide regular updates and work closely with all involved to reach a positive outcome.

Quotes attributable to Jessica Hateley-Browne, Acting General Manager Early Learning, Uniting Vic.Tas:

We’re excited to be the new provider for the Macedon Ranges Montessori early learning service. We’re looking forward to welcoming children and families back to the 61 Main Road site after works are complete.

In the meantime, as works are ongoing at the site, we plan to operate from the nearby Riddells Creek Primary School for all of Term 1 2025, so that we can provide certainty and a stable service for families and children.

We appreciate the support of Council, the primary school, the Department of Education and the community during this process.