Tropical Cyclone Alfred

Due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred's impact particularly in south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales, the sector is proactive and is safeguarding children and staff during this challenging time. Many services have already begun ceasing operations, especially if it is upgraded to a Category 1 cyclone.

Out of concern for potential flooding, the NSW Department of Education has over 241 schools that will be temporarily non-operational.

The Federal Government did declare a Child Care Subsidy (CCS) period of emergency in parts of NSW due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and published its Emergency Support By Region.

ACA NSW did urgently request the Federal Minister (the Hon Jason Clare MP) and his Federal Department of Education did add additional local government areas.

For affected services as a result of the emergency:

• such services can waive the gap fee if a child doesn’t attend, or if the service is closed, during the CCS period of emergency; and

• families will get unlimited allowable absences for the duration of the CCS period of emergency.

The Federal Department of Education have further information available on how to access support during a CCS period of emergency.

The NSW Department of Education did publish their Preparing for Tropical Cyclone Alfred webpage for your reference. Affected NSW-based services would have also received direct e-mail communications, which included information about:

1. updating NQA ITS of temporary closure

2. if service has suffered damage, you may consider applying for an SA06 Application for voluntary suspension of service approval;

3. information for families; and

4. the NSW Department of Education's support efforts.

As an Approved Provider, it is important to uphold all responsibilities related to the health and safety of children, staff and visitors. In preparation for Cyclone Alfred, Approved Providers should:

• conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential hazards associated with the cyclone

• ensure policies and procedures include clear evacuation protocols

• train all staff so that they understand their roles and responsibilities during an emergency

• maintain open communication with families, staff and relevant authorities such as the Federal Department of Education

• take preventative measures to secure outdoor equipment and minimise damage from strong winds and flooding.

• stay informed with the latest updates from local and regulatory authorities

• ensure your service is aware of all available support during a CCS period of emergency.

By taking these steps, ECEC providers can prioritise the safety of children, protect their services, and support families throughout this emergency.

Should you need the NSW State Emergency Services (SES), please call them on 132 500.

Your legal and industrial rights and obligations during natural disasters were also highlighted by the Fair Work Commission. And depending on services' individual situations, please take heed of their advice on Standing Down employees, allowing employees to take paid or unpaid leave and accessing flexible working arrangements. Naturally, all must be taken into consideration with the view of returning services back-to-normal, which includes our early childhood educators and teachers.

With respect to business insurances, they may be subject to federal-level and/or state-level government declarations that must be made by the relevant government minister(s) before such insurances can come into effect in response to emergencies.

Moreover, insurance providers tend to treat each situation on its own. That said, thanks to Guild Insurance, they have provided the following general advice and suggestions for your consideration:

• Remove shade sails, if possible, to avoid wind damage, along with any loose outdoor equipment.

• Perform regular backups of your electronic data and business information.  

• If you have any paper records, take them home or store them somewhere safe. 

• Make sure your inventory is up to date. 

• Move electronics/equipment up to higher shelves, if possible.  

• Moving any centre vehicles off the road or undercover at home, if possible. 

In the event of damage and/or loss, Guild Insurance recommends:

• Removing any wet and damaged contents items. Take photos of as many, if not all, items before disposing of them. Keep lists of everything being thrown out.

• Wet carpet due to water inundation should be removed and disposed of. Take photos.

• If lodging a Business Interruption claim, please provide a list of enrolment and associated fees applicable to the days the centre was closed.

More mitigating cyclone risks related articles are also available. And if you are a Guild policyholder, please call them on 1800 810 213 or lodge online.

For any further information/clarification, please contact ACA NSW via 1300 556 330 or nsw@childcarealliance.org.au. 

LAST UPDATED: 12 MARCH 2025, 10 MARCH 2025

FIRST PUBLISHED: 6 MARCH 2025