Maddie Veinovic with daughter Olivia. Photo: Maddie Veinovic.
Corrimal mum Maddie Veinovic was unsure if she would be able to return to work following the birth of her second daughter due to difficulties securing childcare.
However, the recent opening of a novel co-working space with onsite childcare, BubbaDesk, on North Wollongong’s Innovation Campus, finally provided an alternative.
“I am a research assistant in neuroscience. I could not do that kind of work from home with my one-year-old, Olivia – no way,” Maddie said.
“I was trying to find daycare for her, which is impossible. I was in a Wollongong Mums Facebook group, asking about options and someone posted about BubbaDesk opening in Wollongong.
“I was able to get a spot here because it just opened. Otherwise, I do not know what I would have done. I probably could not have returned to work.”
Every Wednesday and Friday, Maddie now occupies a desk in Suite 8 of the Enterprise building while Olivia is cared for nearby in Suite 6.
The new co-working space is bright and modern, with four private meeting rooms and a kitchen. The childcare room is a clean, open-plan space with tonnes of toys and three sleep rooms.
The proximity has allowed Maddie to spend lunchbreaks with Olivia, which she feels eases the transition for both of them.
This option, along with addressing her own difficulties securing childcare for her son, was what inspired Lauren Perrett to establish BubbaDesk.
“BubbaDesk launched from our own needs and desires from a childcare perspective,” she said.
“I wanted to return to work, as a high performing account executive in fin tech sales, but I also did not want to send my six-month-old baby to a traditional daycare and be away from him all day.
“It can be incredibly hard trying to juggle the pressures of work and the mental load of feeling guilty about leaving them.
“BubbaDesk provides work-life balance. Parents remaining onsite is one of the main benefits. Any time throughout the day, you can pop in and see your baby … for breastfeeding, cuddles or to rock them to sleep. Our team are happy to manage as much or as little for your baby as you like.”
The staff-to-children ratio is capped at 1:4. While not all staff have childcare qualifications, current first aid and working with children checks are mandatory.
“Everyone brings so much knowledge and heart to the table. Most are from daycare environments with Certificate III or above and were looking for something less bureaucratic,” Lauren said.
“We also have experienced nannies. All staff are so supportive to parents and babies going through this change. They understand the mental and emotional side, as most are mums themselves.
“We have had mothers tour our space and cry when they talk to the team, because they feel heard and seen when they say they are not ready to be away from their baby.
“It is lovely to know how much we are really making an impact during this stage of motherhood.”
Unlike traditional daycare, BubbaDesk is ineligible for childcare subsidy. However, expenses may be tax deductible.
Maddie said that although BubbaDesk was more expensive for her circumstances, she would not necessarily trade it in for daycare if availability opened up for Olivia.
“I would be entitled to a 95 per cent rebate at daycare because Olivia is my second child. Olivia is still on a waitlist for a bunch of daycares, but I would consider staying here. We get really good care,” she said.
“Another great thing is that either parent can use the booked workspace, so my husband could come if I was sick. If both parents work from home, they can take turns.”
There are four BubbaDesk sites in NSW.
“We are launching a few more in NSW, plus expanding nationally in 2024,” Lauren said.
BubbaDesk Wollongong is hosting an open day on Saturday 15 June, from 9 – 11 am. Bookings can be made online. Alternatively, request a one-on-one tour during opening hours, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
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