Many of the original group of women who saw the need for childcare, and made it happen, came back for the celebrations.
Teacher Ange Cahill, who this year stepped down after 15 years as head teacher, said she was there on the first day as an untrained staff member. She has since obtained a university degree, growing her own education alongside the centre.
"Who would have thought I’d still be here? I’m humbled and privileged to have had a part in shaping these children into amazing human beings."
Educare was about nurturing young minds, fostering friendships and building a community that looked after one another. The influence of the centre rippled out into the community while shaping families, she said.
Current head teacher Janine Lemmens said the community-owned centre retained its teachers for long tenures. Former teacher Jane Barrett stayed for 15 years and Mrs Cahill had been there 25 years.
There were seven registered teachers and about 30 children enrolled. The stability of the teaching staff gave continuity and stability to the children, Mrs Lemmens said.
Over the 25 years the playground had been upgraded twice, windows double-glazed and a more spacious and calming area created for the under-2-year-olds.
Next was to reroof the building and fundraising was under way for that, she said.
Committee president Connie Davidson said things never really changed at Educare.
"We’re still fundraising like they were 25 years ago."
Original committee member Gill Gatenby was at the celebrations with her daughter and grandson.
She recalled sitting on the floor in the building "everyday for weeks on end" working out how they would get the centre up and running.
Trying to work from home with small children meant neither they or her work got the best of her so Educare seemed the logical answer, she said.
