By Brendan Rees
There was Santa, pony rides, live performances, party food and more – the perfect atmosphere for a birthday bash.
Despite grey clouds, more than 1,500 people attended a family fun day to mark the 50th anniversary milestone of Cranbourne Daycare and Kindergarten Centre on Saturday 24 November.
Since 1968, founder Judy Clarkson has been instrumental in shaping the childcare industry and has been a strong advocate for quality care.
“Judy started with only four children to care for from local families and by the late 70s Judy and her growing staff team were caring for 119 children which was then one of the largest child care centres in Australia,” daughter Sharon Smith said.
There are now six Cranbourne Day Care and Kindergarten Centre cares child care centres in Cranbourne.
Fun on the day included a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle show, a performance by the Kazoos, jumping castle, giant inflatable slide, face painting, unicorn pony rides, Santa visit, animal farm, Bubble Peter Pirate, performances from local dance schools and more.
The event also featured displays from Victoria Police, a CFA fire truck, St John Ambulance, Lions Club, MarShere Dance Studio, Reflections Academy of Dance, Dancers Edge and Sharyn Wightman – Dance School.
Judy’s daughters Sharon Smith and Jodie Mitchell are building a new child care complex adjacent to the Clyde Primary School.
“We hope to complete this centre in 2020 to welcome more families in the fast growing Cranbourne east and Clyde areas,” Sharon said.
Judy, Sharon and Jodie thanked all the wonderful families of Cranbourne that have supported Cranbourne day care over the past 50 years.
