The Australian Government is expanding the Connected Beginnings program to nine new communities, which will help 3,500 First Nations children be better prepared for school.
Minister for Early Childhood Education, the Hon Dr Anne Aly, announced the locations of the new Connected Beginnings projects while in Geraldton, Western Australia, today. They are:
Geraldton (WA) | $1,534,234 |
South Hedland (WA) | $1,689,210 |
Mackay (QLD) | $1,498,100 |
Eagleby (QLD) | $1,170,000 |
Katherine (NT) | $1,689,300 |
Ngukurr (NT) | $2,533,281 |
Canberra (ACT) | $1,456,229 |
Wagga Wagga (NSW) | $1,640,100 |
Whittlesea (Vic) | $2,482,765 |
Total | $15,693,220 |
The funding for the new sites is part of an investment of $81.8 million from the Australian Government to expand the program nationally to 50 sites by 2025.
Across the 34 new and existing sites, the Connected Beginnings program has the potential to benefit around 11,600 First Nations children in Australia aged 0 to 5 years.
The program connects families to local early childhood education, health and family support services to help young children meet learning and development milestones so they are ready for school.
Connected Beginnings is a key contributor to the Closing the Gap early childhood education targets. It builds partnerships with First Nations communities by supporting community-led decision-making under the National Agreement.
SNAICC, the National Voice For Our Children, is the new Community Partner for Connected Beginnings.
The Department of Health and Aged Care will progressively provide funding for a health partner and additional services in each of the new communities as the program expands.
