Ensuring First Nations children in Dubbo are school ready

The Albanese Government is expanding the successful Connected Beginnings program, helping more First Nations children get the best start in life. 

Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly, today announced more than $2 million for Three Rivers Regional Assembly Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Dubbo. 

The program connects First Nations children aged zero to five 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 Dubbo will support around 1,000 local First Nations children. The Dubbo site join 43 other locations across the country supporting around 20,700 First Nations children. 

A key contributor to the early childhood targets set in Closing the Gap, the program builds partnerships with First Nations communities by supporting community-led decision-making under the National Agreement. 

The Government partners with SNAICC National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to deliver the Connected Beginnings program.

The community-led program is achieving results for First Nations Children, driving an increase in preschool enrolments and improvements to developmental outcomes.

The new Dubbo site is part of an $81.8 million Government investment to expand the program to 50 sites across Australia. Once all 50 sites are established, the program has the potential to support up to 20 per cent of all First Nations children aged zero to five.

Other Connected Beginnings sites in New South Wales include Doonside, Mount Druitt, Taree, Bourke, Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill, Gosford and Wyong. 

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

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:

“All children, no matter their background or where they live, should be able to access the transformational benefits of quality early childhood education and care.

“The Connected Beginnings program is delivering significant positive results for First Nations children right across the country, helping to Close the Gap.

“Connected Beginnings is empowering communities to design and deliver the program in a way which supports their individual needs and aspirations.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Ged Kearney:

“Labor is committed to closing the health gap that leads to a significantly lower life expectancy for First Nations people.

“Connected Beginnings is all about centring the voices of First Nations Australian and a community-led approach.

“From child care, to pre-school, to primary school, Connected Beginnings is setting First Nations kids up for best start in life.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for New South Wales Deborah O’Neill:

“This program will have a meaningful impact on the Dubbo community, and reflects the Albanese Government's commitment to Closing the Gap.

“This program will help ensure that First Nations children in Dubbo are supported in meeting the learning and development milestones necessary to thrive later in life."

Quotes attributable to SNAICC Chief Executive Catherine Liddle:

“Connected Beginnings is an impactful and proven program that draws on upon the strength and knowledge of the local community to ensure more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children get the support they need to successfully transition to big school. 

“Connected Beginnings is community-owned and led. Through this program, the Three Rivers Regional Assembly Aboriginal Corporation will create initiatives that improve access to existing early childhood, maternal and child health, and family support services so children are safe, healthy and ready to thrive in Dubbo. 

“It’s an excellent example of what can be achieved when you listen and involve community. At existing Connected Beginnings sites, the average attendance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in centre-based care has increased by more than 10 per cent. Existing sites have also seen an increase in the number of children on track in all five Australian early development census domains.”

Quotes attributable to TRRA Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Uncle Paul Carr:

“TRRA is deeply rooted in the Dubbo region and has a track record for fostering leadership, enhancing governance, and ensuring the Aboriginal communities they serve have a significant voice in shaping the services they receive.”