The next steps will be to fit the centre out with resources so it can service the more than 30 local families on the waiting list.

Nurruby Childcare Services' managing director Prue Jamieson said while the licence application has been submitted, a response can take up to three months, depending on the department's processing time.

"We have yet to fit it out with resources and equipment so that's our next big challenge," she said.

Despite the strong response from local families, Ms Jamieson said she's confident the centre will cope with the demand.

"There are 32 places a day so there will definitely be enough positions," she said.

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In exciting news for the centre, Whitehaven Coal's Maules Creek Mine has come on board as a sponsor for a local early childhood education traineeship program.

The five-year commitment will see locals wanting to upskill or gain their qualification fast-tracked into the industry.

"So they have come on board over a five-year period as a commitment to the community to upskill or provide a qualification for anyone who's interested in coming into early childhood," Ms Jamieson explained.

"And they're giving us money each year so we can use it either on multiple people, or to support one person to go through.

"There will be advertising and an interview process to get the right person or people for that."

The centre is also on the look-out for community-minded volunteers to get together regularly and help raise some money, with a golf day already flagged to kick things off.

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