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where families know they are welcome like home

by the Red Devil on North Terrace

Enrol at Minlaton

Regional families need more than just day care.

Minlaton Family Centre officially opened in August 2024, this purpose-built centre is a landmark moment for the region, bringing 80 new childcare places to a community that previously had almost none.

We care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years, in a contemporary, thoughtfully designed space that encourages exploration and belonging. Our educators  bring genuine warmth and professional expertise to every room, every day.

Minlaton services

Our Team

Tahlia

Stacey

Melissa

Tennille

Melanie

Minlaton Family Centre

  • 14 North Tce Minlaton
  • 6:30am - 6:30pm, Monday - Friday
  • Ages 6 weeks - 6 years
Enrol at Minlaton

Tahlia Mason

Customer Service Officer

My favourite thing about Minlaton Family Centre: is the community we have built with our staff, families and children, the care and support for all witnessed daily is heart warming.

Why I got into Early Learning: I wanted to make a difference in the lives of the little people in our community, role modelling kindness, care and inclusion.

Something personal: I moved to the Yorke Peninsula 10 years ago with my then 6 month old, since then it has become home. The YP holds a special place in my heart, its where I have watched my 3 children grow and where we have spent countless days by the water, further galvanising my strong connection to the land and this community.

Stacey Byass

Director

Favourite thing about Minlaton Family Centre:
I love the small community feel, we are a close nit service and our relationships with each other and the community prove that.

Why I got into Early Learning:
I began working in early learning straight after completing Year 12. I had always wanted to work with children, as they naturally gravitated towards me. Starting a traineeship at 17 allowed me to combine study with hands-on experience, and it was during this time that I truly fell in love with the profession. Supporting children as they grow, develop, and discover the world around them—and being part of that process—is incredibly rewarding.


Something personal:
Something personal about me is that I am a mum to two children who attend MFC, as well as two step‑children, and I am married. Family is very important to me, and I truly enjoy the little things in life — watching my children succeed, spending time at the park, going for walks, and simply being together as a family. These moments bring me a lot of joy and are what ground me both personally and professionally.

Melissa Mcskimming

Wagaggu Team Leader

My favourite thing about Minlaton Family Centre: My favourite thing about Minlaton Family Centre is the amazing work crew we have, and the brand new building we work in

Why I got into Early Learning: I got into childcare because I wanted a career change and I love interacting and seeing the little humans grow and reach their goals, so childcare was the obvious choice.

Something personal: I live locally with my partner near the beach. On the weekends you’ll see me playing sport, and catching up with my family and friends.

Tennille Erskine

Ed Leader + Wardu Team Leader

Favourite thing about working at Minlaton Family Centre: Something I really love about working at Minlaton Family Centre is being able to support our local community and provide a service that families were really looking for. I enjoy creating a calm, nurturing environment that feels like a second home for the children who attend.

Why I got into Early learning: 
I’ve always had an interest in working with children and supporting them as they grow. It’s such a privilege to watch their personalities develop from 0–5, and being part of these important early years gives me a real sense of purpose and pride. It’s what makes me excited to come to work each day.

Something Personal: 
I’m a fun and bubbly person who is always up for a chat. I love travelling, especially for concerts, Bali or on a cruise, and I’ve recently moved to the Yorke Peninsula where I enjoy spending time by the beach with my golden retriever, Daisy.

Melanie Saunders

Garrdi Kindergarten Teacher

My favourite thing about Minlaton Family Centre: The centre we work in, having been purpose built is lovely and has so much potential to develop amazing teaching and learning experiences.

Why I got into Early Learning: I love being an early childhood teacher and watching those ‘ah ha’ moments as children make sense of the world they live in.
In high school I did babysitting and work experience at kindergarten. Although I have had lots of jobs, I still wanted to teach in kindergarten. I got my degree in my early 30’s while working as a nanny, in OSHC and in childcare. When I graduated I went to Daly River (NT) and taught middle primary (years 3-5).

Something personal: I grew up riding horses, rounding up stock and as a roustabout for my dad.
I have two dogs; play the ukulele; and when time permits, I like to cook/ entertain and explore creative activities.

I look forward to getting more settled in my new house and getting to know many more of you soon.