Ensuring First Nations children in South Australia are school ready
The Albanese Government is expanding the Connected Beginnings program, helping more First Nations children get the best start in life.
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly has announced $1.8 million for Kura Yerlo Incorporated to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Port Adelaide.
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 Port Adelaide will support around 350 local First Nations children. The Port Adelaide site join 44 other locations across the country supporting over 21,000 First Nations children.
The program is a key contributor to the early childhood targets set in Closing the Gap, building partnerships with First Nations communities by supporting community-led decision-making.
The community-led program is achieving results for First Nations Children, 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 to deliver the Connected Beginnings program.
The new Port Adelaide 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 South Australia include, Ceduna, Port Augusta and Salisbury/Playford.
Learn more about the Connected Beginnings program at: 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 Member for Hindmarsh Minister Mark Butler:
“Kura Yerlo has been central to Indigenous families in the western suburbs for decades.
“This investment from the Albanese Government will mean local Indigenous kids will have the best start to their early education.
“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 SNAICC Chief Executive Catherine Liddle:
“Through Connected Beginnings, communities are empowered to tailor and implement the program according to their unique needs and goals, fostering genuine progress.
“This initiative will ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Port Adeliade have access to integrated, culturally safe services—ranging from early childhood care to family support—providing them with a strong foundation for their educational journey.
“By implementing this community-led approach at other Connected Beginnings sites, we have seen the average attendance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in centre-based care has increased by more than 10 per cent.”
Quotes attributable to Kura Yerlo Incorporated Chief Executive Officer Mary Anne Lovegrove:
“Kura Yerlo Inc expresses gratitude for the funding to support the community, families, and children through the Connected Beginnings project.
“This project aims to give children confidence and the ability to be ready for school, while also providing support to strengthen families and communities.
“Kura Yerlo Inc is committed to providing culturally safe and appropriate support for the entire Aboriginal community.”
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