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How did you come to be living in Narrabri?
I grew up in Narrabri... well, about 60kms out
of town, at a place called Maules Creek. I love
the farming lifestyle and would hope I can
raise my future children in this same way.
What’s the first job you had?
My first job was a farm hand at the wheat
research just out on the Moree highway. My
sister played a very big role there at the time
and I helped after school and weekends as
much as I could.
What career ambitions did you have in your
final year of school and why?
I wanted to be in the army! I began these
dreams in Year 12 when my parents allowed
me to enlist with their permission (due to
the fact I was under age). I went on and did
roughly 2 years in the army after that.
Before starting your new business, what were
you doing?
I was a family day care educator. I absolutely
loved the small groups, and the close bonds
I had with all my clients over the years. And
I intend on keeping it that way with my new
journey into Jungle Babies Early Learning
Centre.
In 2014 you received the “Tamworth and
North West Regional Educator of the Year”
Award. How did this come about?
This award was something that my clients at
the time nominated me for. And out of all the
nominees in the Tamworth and North West
region, I won. It was the most amazing feeling
the day I received that phone call asking me
to go to Adelaide to receive my award at a gala
event.
What was your motivation to start this new
business venture?
After receiving multiple phone calls through-
out the week (every week) and having a wait-
ing list I was never going to fit in to family day
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care I decided I needed to help the community
by providing another child care centre to the
town.
What has been involved up until now?
There has been years of planning, drawings,
meetings, budgeting, late nights and long days
for this centre to be established. I’m so proud
with how it turned out, it looks exactly how I
pictured it would. Thank you to everyone that
was involved in these stages, I very much ap-
preciate all your help.
Why “Jungle Babies”? What’s with the name?
The name has come from a beautiful story that
my family day care children loved to read on a
regular basis. I wanted the name personal and
fun at the same time. Different is always good.
Why do you think customers will use this
service?
We provide quality education and care in a
homely environment. This also includes a
preschool program and tailored programs for
the younger children. The staff members are
incredible and they all have the same values
and outlook on child care as I do. Which I
think is very important.
You have been involved in child care for 8
years now, what do you most enjoy about it?
I enjoy the bonds you make with the families
and children. When the children are happy
and safe they achieve so much and it’s these
special moments in life you need to cherish.
How do you deal with stress?
I’m a very positive up lifting person so I
believe I handle stress well. I’m a very active
person that has a very healthy life style and I
believe that helps also.
What’s the best piece of professional advice
you’ve been given?
Never give up on your dreams. Stay focused
and it will all work out.
What are your interests outside of work?
I’m an active person, who very much loves
learning about health, growth and develop-
ment. I also enjoy our family time, and getting
back out to the farming life style. I believe we
need to cherish every moment we possibly can
in life.
Jungle Babies
After years of planning, Sophee Greenaway
has transformed the former Narrabri CWA
building on Barwan Street into her new
“Jungle Babies: Early Learning Centre” and
officially opened for business in late October.
photos: John Burgess