Mayor Hits Back at USU Lies

Wingecarribee Shire Council is addressing a series of claims made by the United Services Union (USU) regarding the future of the Wingecarribee Out of School Hours (OOSH) service.  

The decision relates to the arrangements at the end of Council’s current OOSH license period in January 2026.  It does not reduce places for children, put families at risk, or impact the continuity of care. Council will continue operating all before, after and vacation care programs up to the handover to a new provider. Claims made by the United Services Union (USU) suggesting otherwise are false. 

Mayor Jesse Fitzpatrick said Council could not allow misinformation to go unchecked. 

“The union’s statements are false. They’re designed to provoke fear, not inform the community. Our families deserve facts, not theatre,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said. 

“The truth is simple: the service continues, care continues, and families have been kept fully informed. Staff are being consulted through a proper process. Suggesting children are at risk is irresponsible and it’s wrong.” 

Mayor Fitzpatrick said the union’s claims about job losses, safety concerns, and “secret” decision-making were baseless. 

“To suggest this Council would ever compromise the safety or wellbeing of children is offensive. We follow the law, we follow the Award, and we follow proper governance. Confidential items are dealt with in confidential session, that’s not secrecy, it’s legislation.” 

“The community deserves better than made-up numbers and sensationalism on the side of a truck.” 

“We will not tolerate this blatant spread of misinformation,” Mayor Fitzpatrick said. 

Council is working closely with the Department of Education to ensure a smooth transition that maintains stability, quality and care for local families. This includes direct communication with enrolled families, ongoing engagement with staff, and a supported handover to the next provider.