Eligible SDN Staff now receiving Worker Retention Payment

We’re pleased to confirm that SDN is receiving the Australian Government’s Worker Retention Payment (WRP) for eligible staff.  

The WRP is a grant that boosts early childhood education and care wages up to 15% above workers award rates. While SDN has always paid above these awards, we’re pleased to see the Australian Government recognising the value of this important work and making a significant contribution to lifting wages.   

In applying for this grant, SDN has committed to not raising fees more than 4.4% to 7 August 2025, and then not more than 4.2% to 7 August 2026.  

SDN began receiving the payment in August, back paid to December 2024, and it is passed directly to our eligible staff. Currently 10% above award rates, the WRP will increase in December this year to 15%. 

Eligible staff include teachers, educators, cooks, directors and administrators in our CCS-approved services (Long Day Care). Preschools funded through the NSW Government are not eligible for this payment.  

We acknowledge the critical role of preschools and our preschool colleagues in the early childhood education and care sector. To support wage growth, we’ve been able to offer SDN preschool staff at SDN Batemans Bay Preschool, SDN Crookwell Preschool and SDN Beranga, Rooty Hill Autism Specific Preschool an annual wage increase of 3% in our recently approved Enterprise Agreement.  

The WRP is in place until the end of 2026. We’ll be watching closely for news on the payment and continue advocating for fair wages and conditions for the incredible people who support children's wellbeing, learning and development, everyday.