Budawang Early Learning Centre: A vibrant first week in Milton
Article first published by the Milton Ulladulla Times on 14 February 2024. Budawang Early Learning Centre Welcomes Eager Children in Milton | Milton Ulladulla Times | Ulladulla, NSW
It was a lively first week at the Budawang Early Learning Centre in Milton, which opened on 5 February. As Educators worked with the eager children aged two to five to find a collective rhythm, explore their new facility and develop lasting friendships.
“At Capital Region Community Services, we pride ourselves on providing much more than childcare,” said Centre Director Tracy Wiggins.
“Indoor playtimes have been brimming with creativity and joy, with the clear favourite activities being rolling and poking the playdough and constructing intricate structures with blocks.”
Despite the intermittent rain and heat limiting the outdoor play, there were still squeals of delight as the children enjoyed flipping onto the mat, ‘fishing’ from the boat, and shifting sand with dump trucks.
One unexpected highlight of the week was the fascination with the doors in the bathroom. Many curious minds decided they needed to be tested, eagerly shutting the doors and sitting on the toilet to try it out, or just playing with the door latch. It is a small yet significant aspect of the learning journey, showcasing the curiosity and thirst for understanding that the centre aims to instil in children.
Incorporating holistic learning experiences, Budawang Early Learning Centre held yoga sessions led by Educators Jo and Phoebe. These sessions promote the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing from a young age.
On Friday, the children experienced their first emergency drill. Though some were initially puzzled about its purpose, the allure of being outdoors and engaging in a novel activity swiftly captivated them.
“As we now enter our second week, our Educators are continuing to embed the importance of community within Budawang Early Learning Centre,” Tracy said.
“We aim to nurture children’s social and emotional growth, creativity and physical wellbeing, to help them become confident, well-rounded individuals. To find out more, we invite families to book a tour, drop in or enrol your child today.”

Recent News Stories
Following on from the signage placed around the Belconnen Community Centre and notices distributed to participants, we are sharing this update to confirm that the Swanson Court carpark has now permanently closed as of Tuesday 2 April 2025, due to a new development at the site by JWLand.
Young people in Belconnen now have easier access to free, confidential health and wellbeing support with the arrival of the T25 Clinic at Belconnen Youth Centre. Every Thursday from 2pm to 5pm the T25 Clinic van, Mini Pat, will be on-site offering a safe and welcoming space for young people aged 12 to 25. There’s no need for an appointment – just drop in when you need support.
The Canberra Day Appeal 2025 has wrapped up for another year and we are grateful to everyone who contributed, either by making a donation or helping to spread awareness. Thanks to the generosity of our community, employees and corporate supporters, we raised an amazing $6,736.40 – an increase from $5590 in 2024. These funds will go directly towards recruiting, training and supporting more volunteer transport drivers, ensuring people in our community can get to their essential medical appointments for chronic health conditions such as cancer and kidney disease.
Patsy is a lifelong storyteller and a creative spirit. For nearly 20 years, she was a storyteller at early childhood education centres, captivating children with her tales – sometimes using handmade props to bring them to life, other times sharing stories she wrote herself. Creativity has always been second nature to her, and when she’s caught up in a project, time flies by often leading to late nights. Though she recently stepped away from storytelling, she continues her creative pursuits, including a quilt project through Involve (stay tuned!).
For Therese Beckmann, sewing isn’t just about fabric and stitches – it’s a way of telling stories, bringing people together and creating something meaningful. After 30 years of working in sewing, dressmaking and teaching, she realised she wanted to take her skills beyond the retail space and into the community. She had always felt drawn to the senior age group, especially after hearing students in her art classes say, “This is better than therapy.” Hearing it over and over made her realise just how powerful creativity could be in bringing people together and improving wellbeing.