Northern Grampians Shire Council has committed to achieving 28 actions to benefit the municipality’s children in the next five years by adopting the Municipal Early Years Plan 2026-31 last month.
The plan, focused on children aged zero to eight, provides a shared direction for council, service providers, community organisations and families to work together to create environments where every child can thrive.
The document identifies local priorities, strengthens partnerships and guides coordinated action to ensure children and families have equitable access to the services, opportunities and supportive communities they need during these formative years.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said council’s vision was to foster an environment where children and their families loved where they live.
“This plan endeavours to achieve that by outlining 28 actions across three priority areas, including the home environment; early childhood education, care and community services; and health outcomes,” she said.
“Ten of these actions directly relate to overall community health and wellbeing, while two aim to bridge communication and connection gaps between council’s early years services and our migrant communities.
“By taking a strategic, place-based approach, council can help give every child the best possible start in life while building healthier, more connected and resilient communities for the future.”
Cr Hyslop said the priorities and actions were determined following community engagement activities in March this year.
Council ran an online survey, face-to-face and online meetings with parents and key industry stakeholders, two community workshops, drop-in sessions at playgroups and early learning centres, and engagement with children at St Arnaud Kindergarten and Marrang Early Learning Centre in Stawell.
“Throughout the consultation process we heard from more than 270 voices within the community who directly influenced the direction and tasks outlined in this plan,” Cr Hyslop said.
“Thank you to everyone who participated and played a role in shaping Early Years services in the shire.”
Cr Hyslop said the Municipal Early Years Plan was developed in line with other strategic council documents including the Council Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-29 and the Multicultural Action Plan 2025-28.
Other plans that were considered included council’s Open Space and Active Transport Strategy and the Sport and Active Recreation Strategy.
Some of the 28 actions identified in the plan include –
Continue to strengthen family connections through participation in playgroups, libraries, and early years services.
Advocate to continue to ensure families can access high-quality, affordable early education and care across the shire.
Continue to offer free or low-cost educational and community connection services such as the library, playgroups, and playgrounds.
Explore options for introducing fitness or wellbeing sessions for parents/carers and children aged 0-4 years.
Investigate the formation of an Early Years network for Northern Grampians Shire to enhance information sharing, strengthen professional relationships, and support the development of referral pathways.
Advocate to state and Commonwealth levels of government for alternative models of Outside School Hours Care.
Partner with education and care services and schools to continue supporting successful transitions from early learning to school.
Continue to ensure 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten is available across the shire to support the rollout of the Best Start, Best Life Victorian Government reforms.
Support health services to identify gaps and opportunities for expanded local antenatal care options.
Advocate to Commonwealth and state government political representatives for improved access to medical, dental and allied health services for rural communities.
Cr Hyslop said council would now determine what it could facilitate in the current financial year, using available resources.
“We will also look at prioritising other actions as part of the 2027/28 budget process,” she said.
People can visit council’s website here to view a copy of the Municipal Early Years Plan 2026-31.
