Building Childcare on the Sunshine Coast: Hirlette Bilenga’s Story

Yarrow Drtina
Dec 18, 2025
2 min read

When Hirlette Bilenga welcomed her second child, she was faced with a reality many Sunshine Coast parents know all too well: finding childcare was incredibly difficult. She had already experienced the challenge once before and knew just how limited the options were.

Rather than waiting for a solution, Hirlette began exploring one herself. During her maternity leave, she completed the Responsible Adult course and found herself drawn more deeply into early childhood care. She continued learning and exploring Early Childhood Education, inspired by the idea of caring for her own child while supporting other families on the Coast facing the same challenges.

“What inspired me the most was the possibility of having my child with me while also supporting families on the Coast who were facing the same challenges I had gone through.”

That idea became Le Jardin de Basile.

As Le Jardin de Basile grew, Hirlette connected with Community Futures Sunshine Coast for guidance and support. Through business advice and financing, Community Futures helped her take the next step, allowing her to expand beyond a home-based program and grow into a full childcare centre serving more families on the Coast.

For Hirlette, working with children has never been about a single defining moment. “I don’t have one exact moment when I realized it,” she said. “It’s something I feel every day. I love the work I do, and each day I notice how the children respond to me and listen to me. Those little moments constantly remind me that I’m in the right place and that working with children truly is my calling.”

The most rewarding part of building Le Jardin de Basile has been the trust Hirlette has earned from families. As a parent herself, she understands how important it is to feel confident leaving your child in someone else’s care. Knowing families trust her program and feel secure bringing their children each day means everything.

Like many entrepreneurs, Hirlette has faced challenges along the way. One difficult experience reinforced the importance of professionalism, clear communication, and standing firm in her values. With support from Licensing and a commitment to running a transparent, well-organized program, she worked through the situation and came away more confident as a business owner.

Living on the Sunshine Coast has shaped Hirlette’s journey. While the region offers opportunity, it also requires determination. That persistence has helped her grow from a small home daycare into a trusted childcare centre meeting a critical need in the community.

Looking ahead, Hirlette hopes to continue growing Le Jardin de Basile, with plans to expand programming and create additional childcare opportunities for local families. What began as a personal challenge has become a business rooted in care, trust, and community impact, supported along the way by Community Futures Sunshine Coast.