A new online hub is set to help parents and carers navigate the first five years of their child’s life, offering information on cost-of-living support, as well as ensuring their children have the best start in life and are set up for success.
The NSW Labor Government today launched the Brighter Beginnings Parent and Carer Information Hub – a website to help parents, carers and families access Government services, rebates and support for their child, from pregnancy through to the start of primary school.
Previously, parents looking for information had to navigate across disparate NSW and Australian Government websites. The Brighter Beginnings Hub brings these resources together, allowing parents to access services and support relevant to their child’s age.
For the different stages of pregnancy and a child’s life, the website includes advice and support services for health, mental health and wellbeing, nutrition, play and development, relationships, financial advice and any relevant payments or rebates.
The NSW Labor Government has prioritised the creation of this hub because the first five years of a child’s life are critical to outcomes later in life. During this period a child’s brain develops rapidly, with positive connections and experiences laying the foundations for a bright future.
With two in five children in NSW developmentally at risk or vulnerable before they start school, according to Australian Early Development Census data, the parent and carer hub is a vital part of the new support the Government is providing to bridge that gap.
This is just part of the NSW Government’s historic commitment to the early years, which includes a record $769 million investment to deliver 100 public preschools across NSW, with close to half of those new preschools in regional areas.
The NSW Government has also committed $60 million to build or upgrade 50 preschools on non-government school sites in areas of greatest educational need, and up to $29.4 million to expand the number of early childhood workers in NSW through a scholarship program, which has seen a record number of applications. The NSW Government has also provided $17 million to support capital works for early childhood services in areas of need.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car said:
“This website is a great resource for new parents. The first five years of a child’s life are incredibly important for their future.
“There is a lot of information out there and it can be overwhelming for parents and carers.
“This is about cutting confusion and giving families the support and information they need during the formative years of their child’s life.”
NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park said:
“This government is committed to supporting the health of children, and their families from the beginning.
“We want to ensure all families are engaged with the healthcare system in those really critical early stages and years of life.
“There are simple things you can do with your child that will make a big difference in helping them grow and thrive, and this new hub will help make finding trusted information that much easier.
“Adding a precious baby to the family is a wonderful time, but it can also be really hard and stressful, this hub will help families access the support they need.”
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“Children are the future leaders of our state and the NSW Government is committed to providing all families with support and access to critical services and information.
“This digital solution does the heavy lifting for parents and carers to help them stay on track and give their children the best possible start in life.
“The Hub was designed in consultation with the whole community, from parents and carers to early childhood educators and health professionals, ensuring families are connected to the practical support they need.”
