A Queensland childcare centre, Craigslea Kindergarten & Preschool in Chermside West, faced controversy after demanding a $2,200 donation from parents in exchange for their children's artwork, claiming it was needed to cover overdue bills and wages.

The kindergarten, managed by a volunteer committee and supported by C&K Childcare and Kindergarten, closed last month amid funding issues and governance concerns, with staff resignations and tensions with parents escalating.

The centre reportedly had over $46,000 in debt last year, according to Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission records, which contributed to its financial struggles.

Parents received emails threatening to auction off their children's art portfolios if the requested donation was not paid, sparking outrage and concern.

An incident involving a midnight break-in was reported, with police investigating whether it was linked to the controversy over the artwork portfolios.

The centre closed three weeks before the school holidays, leading some parents to attempt retrieving their children’s belongings, resulting in a reported break-in and police investigation.

Authorities, including the Department of Education and C&K, intervened to retrieve the children's artwork, affirming parents' legal rights to access their children's portfolios, which are now available for collection.

The fundraising request and artwork sale drew strong condemnation from parents and regulators, with the Queensland leader calling it 'emotional blackmail' and authorities stepping in to address the issue.

The Department of Education noted there is no legal obligation for parents to pay for the portfolios, and the centre is managed by a volunteer committee supported by C&K.

The controversy highlighted the financial difficulties faced by the centre, which was over $46,000 in debt last year, and the tensions surrounding its closure and governance.

Premier David Crisafulli condemned the fundraising tactic, emphasizing the importance of children’s artwork as a meaningful achievement and criticizing the approach as emotional blackmail.