Melbourne childcare group enters voluntary administration

Future Kids Pty Ltd, an operator of early childhood education centres in Melbourne’s outer west, has entered voluntary administration, with Matthew Kucianski and Nathan Deppeler of Worrells appointed as voluntary administrators on 3 February 2026.

Shortly after their appointment, the administrators determined that the business was not viable to continue operating during the voluntary administration period. As a result, three centres, located in Bacchus Marsh, Williams Landing, and West Tarneit, leaving more than 80 employees stood down and disrupting childcare arrangements for over 200 enrolled families.

In a statement issued by the administrators, the collapse was attributed to financial difficulties, although the precise causes of the company’s insolvency have not yet been detailed publicly. An urgent review of the company’s position concluded that continued trading would only deepen losses and prejudice creditors.

Future Kids was founded by Ken Ong OAM, a former Melbourne councillor and mayoral candidate, and later transitioned into a family-run business. Corporate filings list his son, Alexander Ong, as director and company secretary at the time of the administration. Ken Ong passed away in 2024, and the business had continued operating under family ownership.

The administrators are now reviewing the company’s books and records to assess potential recovery options, including whether any restructuring or sale of assets is feasible, or whether a liquidation is likely.