Maitland City Council to proceed with strategic property sale

Maitland City Bowls, Sports & Recreation Club (Club Maitland City) has made a strategic approach to Maitland City Council to purchase the land and buildings at 12 Woodberry Street, Rutherford that is currently tenanted by Kookaburra Korner Early Education Centre. 

At the meeting held on 17 March 2026, Council resolved to proceed with the sale, that will allow Club Maitland City to lodge a substantial Development Application for renovations to the Club. 

The opportunity presents a win-win scenario for all three parties, with Club Maitland City agreeing to fund and construct a brand new not-for-profit Early Education Centre nearby for Kookaburra Korner to move to, prior to the demolition of the existing centre.

Council’s Executive Manager Finance, Kelly Arnott says, “this strategic sale will have a direct positive impact on Council’s budget, not just from the funds from the sale but also the ongoing cost savings that will be achieved by no longer having to maintain, and ultimately renew or replace, this ageing asset.”

Ian Martin, CEO of Club Maitland City says “acquiring the Kookaburra Korner property is a mutual partnership ensuring that high quality childcare is operating in the West Maitland area. In the coming years a new childcare centre offering at minimum the same not-for-profit capacity will be built, resulting in even better experiences with the same dedicated daycare team,”

A Kookaburra Korner spokesperson, Judy Mitchell says, “we’re grateful for the support from both Club Maitland City and Council to ensure that we can still provide this not-for-profit service for local families.” 

The current Kookaburra Korner lease will transfer to Club Maitland City on settlement.