1979- Armidale and District Learning Difficulties Association applied for funding for a Creative Parenting Program to support parents of children with disabilities. The target group was isolated families and families with children with a disability. The original application was for outside for International Year of the Child funding but because the project was outside the guidelines it was referred to the Department of youth and Community Services.
1979- Armidale District Learning Difficulties Association applied for funding for a Resource Unit for handicapped and isolated children and their parents. The submission was for a centre providing equipment and toys, counselling, hobby groups, a toy library and parent education.
The submission was for $2,000.00 capital and $500.00 recurrent.
It was approved by Senator Guilfoyle.
It was approved with a number of services for children with a disability- for example, early intervention and training units. It was not eligible for funding under the Handicapped Person's Assistance Project but was funded under the Children's Services Program.
1980- The funding was increased to $7,500.00 pa.
The service provided a toy library, a drop in centre for parents and children, and creative parenting workshops for parents. Students of childcare used the centre for work experience.
It was involved in trying to set up Family Day Care Service which would provide respite care for the parents of children with disabilities.
1981- Reviewed after two years. Department found it was a service well used by parents, children, students and teachers. There was a small fee for membership. The service ran training sessions and playgroups in the surrounding areas.
1983- The recurrent funding was increased to $12,000.00 for a part time co-ordinator, plus $1,000.00 operational assistance.
1990- For some years a succession of Gubi co-ordinators worked for about 20 hours per week and used their own cars, travelling out to establish the network of playgroups. The service was given a one off capital grant of $12,000.00 to purchase a vehicle second hand from Galloping Gumnut Mobile, Lithgow.
At this stage the mobile was receiving $22,565.00 pa.
1991- A review of the service. A top up grant of $8,240.00 was provided to meet vehicle expenses.
The service submitted an application to be considered for an upgrading of their funding to the level of a standard mobile service. The application was unsuccessful due to the unavailability of additional funding.
1991- Sponsorship was transferred from Armidale District Learning Difficulties Association to the Armidale Neighbourhood Centre.
1993- A one off grant of $9,980.00 was provided for a vehicle replacement.
1998- A submission was placed to Department of Community Services for a grant with the Rural Initiatives Program for additional funding to purchase a second vehicle and employ another Early Childhood Educator. The grant was partially successful with only enough recurrent funding to employ the Early Childhood Educator for two days a week.
1999- After proving that to the Department of Community Services that the service was in need at several other locations recurrent funding was increased to employ the Early Childhood Educator worker to 20 hours per week.
2005- After lobbying the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) federally funded mobile services had a substantial increase in funding. Gubi Gabun received an additional $94,606. Gubi employed two more qualified Early Childhood Educators and a part time admin/bookkeeper and moved to new premises, 215 Mann St, for storage and office space.
2010- Gubi Gabun Children’s Mobile Service separates from the Armidale Neighbourhood Centre Inc as their sponsoring body and becomes an incorporated service.
2015- After 20years of service Katrina Williamson moves on from Gubi, making way for Suzi Pancaldi to take on the management role of the service.
2016/17- Jobs for Families package bill is passed by the Senate with the proposed childcare package commencing July 2018. Gubi and other services not transitioning into long day care will retain their funding via an as yet to be announced source.