Welcome to our centre!
Our core philosophy is: Together we learn; Together we grow.
We are a community-based, not-for-profit early learning centre where children feel safe, valued and supported to learn and grow. Through play-based learning, children are encouraged to explore their interests, build confidence and develop important skills for life.
We believe strong partnerships with families create the best outcomes for children, and we love working together with our families and local community.
We look forward to welcoming your family and sharing this special early learning journey together..
About Us
Platypus Playcare
Ages: 6 weeks to 5 years
Operating Hours:
Monday and Friday 8:30am to 3:00pm, weekly
We provide a mixed-age learning environment where children learn and play together in one room. This approach encourages friendships across age groups and supports children in developing confidence, empathy and social skills.
Our educators provide a play-based learning environment where children are encouraged to explore, discover and develop at their own pace through developmentally appropriate activities and experiences.
As a community-focused centre, we value strong partnerships with families and believe that working together helps children feel safe, supported and confident as they grow and learn.
Platypus Kindergarten
Operating Hours:
Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:30am to 3pm, weekly
Thursday: 8:30am – 3pm, fortnightly starting the second week of each term
Platypus Playcare offers a government-approved Kindergarten program for children in the year before they start Prep.
Through the Queensland Government’s Free Kindy program, eligible children can access 15 hours per week (600 hours per year) of kindergarten at no cost to families. The program is delivered by a qualified early childhood teacher and supports children to build the skills, confidence and independence they need for a successful transition to school.
Platypus Playcare is proud to be affiliated with C&K (The Creche and Kindergarten Association), one of Queensland’s most respected early childhood organisations with over 100 years of experience in early learning.
As a C&K affiliated centre, our kindergarten program benefits from:
Access to C&K’s high-quality early childhood education framework
Ongoing professional learning and support for educators
Evidence-based teaching practices
Resources and guidance that support high-quality learning environments
Our kindergarten program focuses on play-based learning that encourages children to develop communication, creativity, problem solving and social skills while building a strong sense of belonging and confidence.
Children are eligible to attend kindergarten if they turn four years old by 30 June in the year they participate in the program.
News & Events
New Operating Times
Get to know our team
Bernice Hamilton
Lead Playcare Educator
Julie Harris
Kindergarten Educator
Amie Fillery
Playcare Assistant
Nicole Seymour
Playcare Assistant
Madeline O'Grady
Kindergarten Assistant
Janine Cannon
Centre Administrator
Gabby Muscher
Cleaner
Meet Bernice
I’m Bernice, a mum of three beautiful children Hunter, Everleigh, and Lane. They inspire everything I do. With the support of my partner, Luke, I’ve built a life centred on family, community, and my passion for early childhood education.
After four years as a stay-at-home mum, I felt called to return to work and pursue a career where I could nurture and support young children. In 2023, after moving to Eungella, I found that place at Platypus Playcare a warm, community-focused centre that instantly felt like home.
That same year, our family experienced the heartbreaking loss of our precious Everleigh. Stepping back from work allowed us to grieve, and when I returned, the joy and light of the little puggles played a profound role in my healing. This strengthened my belief in the power of connection, care, and early learning.
In 2024, I stepped into the Lead Educator role, where I’ve continued to grow both professionally and personally. It is a privilege to support our families, create safe and joyful learning environments, and witness the unique personalities, curiosity, and wonder each child brings.
At Platypus Playcare, I am committed to offering children a true sense of belonging. I focus on fostering cognitive, social, emotional development, fine and gross motor skills to get them ready for the next stages in learning and life through strong relationships, intentional teaching, and play-based learning especially sensory and water play, which our toddlers love.
I look forward to deepening learning through play and opening a world of possibilities with your little ones as they grow, explore, and discover.
Roles:
Lead Playcare Educator
Nominated Supervisor
First Aid Officer – Daycare Room
Qualifications:
Working Towards Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
CPR & First Aid Certified
Child Protection – Identify & Report Children and Young People at Risk
Foundations of Child Safety
Understanding child safety
Understanding and identifying child abuse and neglect
Meet Nicole
I'm Nicky, and I have 2 beautiful daughters Keeley and Rylan, and my wonderful partner Kody. I was born and raised in the Netherdale and Finch Hatton area and lived there most of my life. I have a love for animals and I'm so lucky to be able to share that with my family.
Prior to joining the team at Platypus Playcare I spent many years in the fast lane as a racehorse jockey before falling pregnant with my daughter Rylan and deciding to retire. With my new life being a stay-at-home Mum, I soon decided to take a new career path in 2025 as a daycare teacher. I embraced this new version of myself helping young kids in the same community that I grew up in, thrive and learn.
It is such a privilege to be a part of their lives and watch these amazing little humans grow and shine.
Roles:
Assistant daycare teacher
Qualifications:
Working Towards Certificate III in Early Childhood Education
CPR & First Aid Certified
Child Protection – Identify & Report Children and Young People at Risk
Nurturing Growth from 0–5 Years
Programming
Our curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which focuses on three key concepts: Belonging, Being, and Becoming.
Belonging is at the heart of a child’s sense of self. It reflects the connections children have with their family, community, and culture, and forms the foundation for relationships, acceptance, and confidence.
Being encourages children to live in the moment — to explore, investigate, and form meaningful attachments with people and their surroundings. It’s about giving them the time and support to face challenges at their own pace. Our educators create a child-focused environment that values curiosity and discovery over routine and convenience.
Becoming recognises that early childhood is a time of incredible growth and change. It’s about developing the skills, understanding, and resilience children need as they grow and adapt to new experiences. Through observation and reflection, our educators use these foundations to plan programs that support each child’s individual learning journey.
Outcomes we work towards
• Children have a strong sense of identity
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Children are confident and involved learners
• Children are effective communicators.
Learning Through Play
Each day, our educators observe and document your child’s experiences, capturing their interests, progress, and achievements. Using these observations, we set individual goals and plan meaningful, extended experiences to help your child build on their knowledge, skills, and curiosity.
Families are encouraged to share their reflections and insights, which we gladly incorporate into our program. This partnership ensures that your child’s learning journey is supported both at home and at the centre.
We believe children learn best through play. Our educators are attentive and responsive, using intentional teaching practices to create authentic, engaging, and nurturing learning environments that challenge and support each child’s development.
WHAT TO BRING
Below is a list of items your child will need to bring when they attend Platypus Playcare:
A bag to contain all items
A wide brimmed hat
A sleeved T-shirt
Enough nappies for the day and wipes (if applicable)
A drink bottle filled with water
A piece of fruit
A change of clothes and underwear (two (2) if your child is toilet training)
Good fitting shoes (easy for your child to put on and off)
Bedding appropriate for the weather (please provide in a cloth bag)
We encourage families to supply gum boots and raincoats in wet weather. This allows children to experience and explore their surroundings across the variety of seasons and weather patterns. Each situation for each day will be assessed prior to taking children outside in adverse weather to ensure their safety.
You will need to bring a Lunchbox (preferably NOT insulated) filled with delicious healthy snacks for morning tea and afternoon tea
Lunch – we encourage the children to have a healthy sandwich or wrap. We can also heat up your child’s food if you would prefer them to eat a home cooked meal.
We are a NUT FREE CENTRE so please do not send peanut butter on your child’s sandwich.
Please ensure ALL items a clearly labelled with your child’s full name to avoid confusion.
Fees & Payment
Payments may be made via direct bank deposit. All weekly fees should be paid by Friday morning to ensure receipts are processed before care resumes on Tuesday.
As a not-for-profit organisation, we rely on fees to cover essential expenses and resources not supported by government funding. It is therefore important that all fees are kept up to date and paid on time.
Families are required to maintain their account two (2) weeks in advance to secure their child’s place at Platypus Playcare. Fee statements are sent via email to support a more sustainable and paper-free approach.
Fees listed below are per child, per day.
Daycare
6 weeks - 24 months: $54.00
25 Months - 35 Months: $51.00
36 Months - Prep: $49.00
Kindy
36 Months - Prep: $49.00
Concession Card Holders: $10.00
Payment
Direct entry bank deposits are to be deposited into the following account:
Account Name: Platypus Playcare
Bank: Commonwealth Bank Australia
Branch: Mackay
BSB: 064 707
Account Number: 10607970
When depositing fees into the above bank account remember to add your child’s Surname as your reference. Once you have received your first statement, you will be issued with an account number. This account number is then to be used as your reference.
Cheque payments are to be made out to Platypus Playcare.
Absent days are charged at the Full Day Fee rate – no discounted rate applies.
Platypus Playcare Documents
Access our documents using the links below.
For application forms, please download them to complete. You can send the completed forms to ppc@platypusplaycare.com.au or bring them into the Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
We aim to address common concerns and queries that parents, caregivers, and educators may encounter.
Below is a list of items your child will need to bring when they attend Platypus Playcare:
A bag to contain all items
A wide brimmed hat
A sleeved T-shirt
Enough nappies for the day and wipes (if applicable)
A drink bottle filled with water
A piece of fruit
A change of clothes and underwear (2 if your child is toilet training)
Good fitting shoes (easy for your child to put on and off)
Bedding appropriate for the weather (please provide in a cloth bag)
You will need to bring a Lunchbox (preferably NOT insulated) filled with delicious healthy snacks for morning tea and afternoon tea
For lunch, we encourage the children to have a healthy sandwich or wrap. We can also heat up your child’s food when requested.
Please Note! We are a NUT FREE CENTRE so please DO NOT send peanut butter on your child’s sandwich.
Please ensure ALL items a clearly labelled with your child’s full name to avoid confusion.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
We are a community based, non-profit organisation whom receives funding from the Office for Early Childhood Education and Care to assist in the running of the centre.
The centre also relies heavily on the fundraising efforts of the committee and the community along with the fees gained from the families attending the service
FUNDRAISING
As our centre is a non-profit, community based organisation, fundraising plays a major part of keeping our service open and running a full capacity. We fundraise in all capacities, small to large.
Our fundraising efforts must be supported by the families of the children in the service and members of the community in order to be successful. The more people involved, the better the outcome and easier the process will be.
Please be aware the Program closes at 3.30pm. A late fee is incurred for children collected after 3.30pm. The fee is $15 per child for every 15 minutes or part thereof and will be added to your next account.
The late fee is strictly adhered to, as two staff members are required to remain at the program until all children are collected.
If we are unable to contact either the parent or a person nominated by the parent on the enrolment form to arrange collection of the child/children within an hour of the Service closing, then we will contact Department of Education and Communities and the Police to take responsibility of your child.
Contact Us
Address
10 North St, Eungella QLD 4757, Australia
Phone
07 4958 4772Operating Hours
Tuesday and Wednesday: 830am to 3pm, weekly.
Thursday: 830am to 3pm, every second week commencing from the second week of each term.