As the parents of two daughters and four grandchildren who have lived in many parts of the world we can claim some knowledge of the range of child care facilities available. Our family have been fortunate in enjoying many caring and enriching environments but Milford Lodge brings a quality that we had not encountered before. Spread over one and a half acres of gardens, with a wide array of buildings, shelters, canopies, cubby houses, pools, sheds, hutches, the Centre is a Lilliputian wonderland. At first glance the children appear to be the only residents of this toddler paradise. They have free access to all facilities and every area of the stimulating and inventive landscapes. Care and control is discreet with the staff often unseen as they sit in the middle of eager infants keen to join group activities. The result of this freedom is that the children learn to cooperate, care about their fellow “citizens”, understand the constraints of living in a community and generally prepare themselves for life in the wider complex world. Learning and intellectual stimulation are subtly introduced with little distinction between play and “education”. Perhaps the most notable characteristic is the invisible security in this happy, free living, borderless community. All credit to the family and the staff that have safely run this anarchic kiddie city for thirty years.
- Bob & Joanna Giles
For over 20 years I have been driving in and out of your driveway on a daily basis – dropping off my four fabulous boys at various stages of their formative years.
So many memories and special moments are held close to my heart, and when people comment on how "respectful, decent, polite and considerate" my boys are – I always credit this to Milford Lodge.
Remember when Saxon was just 3 and he was always first in line to ride your pony Pete. Well you will be pleased to know that while his love affair with horses started at Milford, he leaves us this week headed for the Outback – he was chased by three big cattle stations after finishing school in December. He’s chosen to defer University for a year to work for Gina Rinehart – mustering at on one of Kidman and Co.’s largest properties. We’re immensely proud of him.
There are so many stories I could share about the Milford influences, for each of the boys. With our youngest, Sheldon, starting prep this year it’s very hard to say goodbye to you guys. I will miss pick-up time the most, and hearing their stories of adventure and discovery (your Indigenous focus makes me so proud), I will miss the dancing, music and songs, I will miss washing the red soil from between their toes in the evening…the grubbier their feet, the better the day I say 😊
You have given my boys the most solid foundation, more than I could have ever asked for – and the most important one, you have taught them to BE KIND. Thank you for encouraging my boys to be confident within themselves and to be respectful of people, animals and our precious planet too. These are enduring traits which will carry them through the ups and downs of life.
With love and absolute appreciation: there’s no place like MILFORD !!
So many memories and special moments are held close to my heart, and when people comment on how "respectful, decent, polite and considerate" my boys are – I always credit this to Milford Lodge.
Remember when Saxon was just 3 and he was always first in line to ride your pony Pete. Well you will be pleased to know that while his love affair with horses started at Milford, he leaves us this week headed for the Outback – he was chased by three big cattle stations after finishing school in December. He’s chosen to defer University for a year to work for Gina Rinehart – mustering at on one of Kidman and Co.’s largest properties. We’re immensely proud of him.
There are so many stories I could share about the Milford influences, for each of the boys. With our youngest, Sheldon, starting prep this year it’s very hard to say goodbye to you guys. I will miss pick-up time the most, and hearing their stories of adventure and discovery (your Indigenous focus makes me so proud), I will miss the dancing, music and songs, I will miss washing the red soil from between their toes in the evening…the grubbier their feet, the better the day I say 😊
You have given my boys the most solid foundation, more than I could have ever asked for – and the most important one, you have taught them to BE KIND. Thank you for encouraging my boys to be confident within themselves and to be respectful of people, animals and our precious planet too. These are enduring traits which will carry them through the ups and downs of life.
With love and absolute appreciation: there’s no place like MILFORD !!
- Paula Hay
Both of our boys attended Milford Lodge - we are lucky enough to live across the road! It was a joy to see them come home with dirty clothes and big smiles they encourage a lot of actual playing! The place where you know that they are getting not just awesome meals, fun playing, good routines but also love it's like you are part of the Milford Family. My boys are in high school now but we still like to go and visit now and then it brings back great memories.
- Olivia & Andrew
Fletch has been so lucky to attend such a unique childcare experience such as Milford. Craft, cooking, gourmet nutritious meals, mud kitchen, forest walks with marshmallows, water play, climbing and jumping out of trees, playing with sticks, dancing in the ballroom, gardening, cooking, climbing mulberry trees, pony rides and so much more. Every kids dream! A beautiful centre, beautiful staff. I will kind of miss having Fletch come home each day with head to toe, wet and muddy. It's been a lovely 2 years x
- Hayley
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to share your setting with my colleagues from Malaysia today. They were blown away! This is what childhood is all about!
- Deborah Harcourt
My daughter has been going to Milford since she was 8 months old. This place is incredible. The carers are amazing, the environment is homey & natural, anyone that comes with me to pick her up can't believe a place like this exists. It truly is just like 'Grandma's House'
- Bec
Our daughter has been attending Milford Lodge for 4-5 days a week for the past 4 years. We have been very happy with the care, attention and education she has received every step of the way. We are part of the Milford family, and with another baby on the way and enrolled at Milford, we are happy we don't have to say goodbye for too long. We would highly recommend this childcare facility to other families.
- Kim
We know our little lady is cared for and recognised as an individual. The activities and food are excellent. We are so confident that our child's life is enhanced by the interactions and facilities.
- Amanda
My daughter has attended Milford Lodge for the past 2 1/2 years and my son for 18 months before that. I cannot recommend them highly enough. Molly has ensured only the highest quality staff are employed. You walk in and feel at home. The food is amazing and I often wish I could come back for lunch. The variety has meant that my kids have developed a far more varied palate that if had been making food for them every day. The early years through to the kindergarten programmes are excellent. There is so much space and so many different environments to play and learn in – your kids have an adventure every day. Finally, my daughter has type 1 diabetes and the team at Milford have embraced her and her daily testing/ insulin requirements, making me very confident in their caring for her needs, whilst not making her feel “different”.
- Jackie
My daughter has been attending Milford for 1 1/2 yrs, she loves it ! such a warm, friendly, healthy and happy environment for children to learn, explore and develop. Such a natural setting too, we couldn't be happier! Home away from Home. =)
- Jane
Best Daycare facility on the Coast.... We have had 8 years at Milford and loved every minute of it xxx
- Belinda
My son has started at milford lodge recently. He absolutely loves it. Waves goodbye without a second thought that I'm leaving him for the day. Every afternoon I pick him up his absolutely filthy, obviously having a great time being a boy playing & exploring! Me & my son couldn't be happier! Thank you milford lodge & the wonderful staff!
- Michelle
Each year I am fortunate enough to perform a concert at Milford Lodge’s Market Day. This community event is designed to raise money for various charities and provide an informal day out on the beautiful grounds at Milford Lodge. It serves the twofold purpose of providing funds for organisations doing good work and also allowing families to be involved in their children’s centre outside of the usual circumstances in a fun, relaxed environment. I have been involved in giving concerts for many charities through the years, most notably the Children’s Hospitals in Brisbane which are now concentrated at the Lady Cilento facility. Additionally, I perform at child care centres and schools throughout Australia, and occasionally overseas, sometimes performing up to 300 shows in a 12 month period. I believe Milford’s facilities and the passion of the staff for their job to be amongst the very best that Australia has to offer and Market Day is my favourite charity event of the year. Additionally, performing my children’s music in such a beautiful garden setting to families is a definite highlight on my calendar. Market Day is also close to my heart for personal reasons. When my wife passed away several years ago the charity “Mummy's Wish” provided invaluable help and comfort to my family during her time in hospital with leukaemia. Molly allowed me to select the benefitting organisation that year for Market Day and so Mummy's Wish received a large, much needed donation. It is this kind of personal involvement with the surrounding community that makes the day so special. I look forward very much to performing for my many friends at Milford Lodge’s Market Day every year. Indeed it is a highlight.
