Darl, in the past we've got in-home care for our DD - you qualify if you're a shiftworker. It's expensive (don't quote me but about $26 per hour for two kids so $13 per hour each) but you get 50% of that back with the rebate. I get it through my local childcare centre but I've been told they service the whole of Melbourne - call them on 9489 3405.

You let them know what hours you want on a Friday for the following week. You don't have to have the same hours each week, it's totally flexible but there's a 4-hour minimum for each booking. If you don't need anything some weeks, that's fine.

I'm 99% sure they can provide around-the-clock care so night shifts wouldn't be a problem - I know a few of their clients are nurses.