1979

The Armidale and District Learning Difficulties Association applied for funding for a Creative Parenting Program to support parents of children with disabilities. The program aimed to assist isolated families and families raising children with disabilities. Although the original application was submitted under the International Year of the Child funding program, it fell outside the funding guidelines and was referred to the Department of Youth and Community Services.

Later that year, the Association submitted a second application to establish a Resource Unit for children with disabilities and isolated families. The proposed centre would provide educational equipment and toys, counselling, hobby groups, a toy library, and parent education. The submission requested $2,000 in capital funding and $500 in recurrent funding. The proposal was approved by Senator Guilfoyle and funded through the Children's Services Program, as it was not eligible under the Handicapped Persons Assistance Program.

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1980

Annual funding increased to $7,500.

The service expanded to include a toy library, a drop-in centre for parents and children, and Creative Parenting workshops. Childcare students also used the centre for work experience. During this time, the service became involved in establishing a Family Day Care Service to provide respite care for parents of children with disabilities.

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1981

Following a two-year review, the Department found the service was well utilised by parents, children, students, and teachers. A small membership fee was introduced, and the service expanded its training sessions and playgroups into surrounding communities.

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1983

Recurrent funding increased to $12,000 to employ a part-time coordinator, with an additional $1,000 provided for operational assistance.

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1990

Over several years, a succession of Gubi coordinators worked approximately 20 hours per week, travelling extensively in their own vehicles to establish and support a growing network of rural playgroups.

To improve service delivery, Gubi received a one-off capital grant of $12,000 to purchase a second-hand mobile vehicle from the Galloping Gumnut Mobile Service in Lithgow. At this time, annual funding had increased to $22,565.

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1991

Following a service review, Gubi received a top-up grant of $8,240 to assist with vehicle operating expenses.

The service also applied to have its funding upgraded to the level of a standard mobile children's service. Although the application demonstrated the growing demand for the service, it was unsuccessful due to a lack of available government funding.

During the same year, sponsorship of the service was transferred from the Armidale District Learning Difficulties Association to the Armidale Neighbourhood Centre.

 

1993

A one-off grant of $9,980 was received to replace the service vehicle.

 

1998

Manager Katrina Williamson submitted a funding application through the Rural Initiatives Program to the Department of Community Services to purchase a second vehicle and employ an additional Early Childhood Educator.

The application was partially successful, providing enough recurrent funding to employ the educator for two days each week.

 

1999

After demonstrating the growing need for services across additional rural communities, recurrent funding increased, allowing the additional Early Childhood Educator position to expand to 20 hours per week.

 

2005

Following extensive lobbying of the Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS), federally funded mobile children's services received a significant funding increase.

Gubi Gabun received an additional $94,606, enabling the service to employ two additional qualified Early Childhood Educators and a part-time administration officer/bookkeeper. The organisation also relocated to new office and storage facilities at 215 Mann Street, Armidale.

 

2010

Gubi Gabun Children's Mobile Service separated from the Armidale Neighbourhood Centre and became an independent incorporated organisation.

This marked an important milestone in the organisation's history, allowing Gubi Gabun to operate independently and continue shaping its own future.

 

2015

After 20 years of dedicated service, Katrina Williamson stepped down as Manager. Suzi Pancaldi was appointed to lead the organisation into its next chapter.

 

2016–2017

The Australian Government's Jobs for Families child care reforms were passed by the Senate, with implementation scheduled for July 2018.

As a mobile children's service, Gubi Gabun did not transition to the new Long Day Care funding model. Instead, the service retained government funding through an alternative funding arrangement, ensuring it could continue supporting children and families across rural communities.

 

2024–Present

Since 2024, Gubi Gabun Children's Mobile Service has continued its commitment to supporting children, families, and communities throughout the New England region. With a dedicated Management Committee and an experienced team of educators, we provide inclusive, play-based early childhood experiences in rural and remote communities.

We continue to strengthen our governance, improve our systems, and invest in the future of the service. A new website has been developed to make it easier for families to access information about play sessions, enrolments, newsletters, and upcoming events. An online calendar has also been introduced, making it simple for families to keep up to date with session locations and dates across the region.

Our educator team continues to grow, bringing together experienced early childhood professionals with a shared passion for supporting children's learning and development. Gubi Gabun remains committed to creating welcoming, inclusive environments where every child and family feels valued and connected.

More than 45 years later, Gubi Gabun Children's Mobile Service continues the vision established in 1979—bringing quality early childhood education, play experiences, and family support to communities where access to these services would otherwise be limited. As the needs of rural families continue to evolve, Gubi Gabun remains committed to growing, adapting, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, play, and thrive close to home.

 

"For more than 45 years, Gubi Gabun has been bringing learning, play, and connection to children and families across the New England region—and we're excited for what the future holds."