More funding to ensure First Nations children are school-ready

The Federal Government has expanded the Connected Beginnings program to 50 communities across Australia, in a bid to help more First Nations children thrive in the crucial early years.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly and Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy announced on Thursday $2.4 million funding for Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Limited to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Kununurra, Western Australia.

“It is wonderful to launch the 50th Connected Beginnings site in Kununurra, providing wrap-around education and health support services to 600 local First Nations children,” Ms Aly said.

“The new site completes the Connected Beginnings expansion six months ahead of schedule, this significant early milestone means more children can access more supports sooner.

“Importantly, the structure of Connected Beginnings means that each community is empowered to design and deliver the program in a way which supports their individual needs and aspirations.”

The program connects First Nations children with a range of early childhood education, health and family support services – helping children meet the learning and development milestones necessary to achieve a positive transition to school.

The new site in Kununurra will support around 600 local First Nations children.

“Connected Beginnings is ensuring more First Nations children have access to the resources and support they need to thrive, Senator McCarthy said.

“Through this program, the Albanese Labor Government is working alongside Aboriginal communities, including in the East Kimberley, to set up First Nations children for a bright future.”

Together, the 50 Connected Beginnings sites have the ability to support 20 per cent of all First Nations Children aged zero to five.

The community-led program is a key contributor to the early childhood Closing the Gap targets and is already delivering positive results.

In communities with established Connected Beginnings sites, the program is driving an increase in preschool enrolments and improvements to developmental outcomes.

The Government partners with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) to deliver the program.

SNAICC Chief Executive Catherine Liddle said the benefits of Connected Beginnings were undeniable and Binarri-binyja Yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive Officer Peter Webster said the funding represented a significant step forward in improving early childhood.

“We are dedicated to integrating Aboriginal perspectives into various practices, promoting cultural relevance and inclusivity, and providing comprehensive support for children and their families,” Mr Webster said.

The new site is part of an Australian Government $81.8 million investment to expand the program to 50 sites across the country by June 2025.

Learn more about the Connected Beginnings program at education.gov.au/early-childhood/community-child-care-fund/connected-beginnings.