New partnership to benefit Aboriginal children in Salisbury/Playford region

The Albanese Government will invest $1.8 million in a new community partnership to boost early learning for Aboriginal children in Salisbury.

The new Connected Beginnings program will kick off at the Kaurna Plains Children's Centre this week.

Minister for Education Jason Clare and Minister for Early Childhood Education Anne Aly visited the centre today to announce the funding.

"Connected Beginnings creates a one stop shop for services to help Aboriginal children get ready to start school," Mr Clare said.

"This program means we can catch any issues that might hamper a child's development early so it can be addressed before they start school.

"A child's first years are crucial to how they'll do at school and this will help 1,000 Aboriginal kids."

Dr Aly said importantly Connected Beginnings is community led, linking health and early education experts with Elders, families and children.

“This is part of an additional investment of $82 million from the Australian Government that will see the Connected Beginnings program grow from 26 sites nationally to up to 50 by 2024-25,” Dr Aly said.

“This has the potential to benefit 18,905 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.”

Senator for South Australia Marielle Smith said that the program was already having an impact.

"We've already seen Connected Beginnings centres at work in Ceduna and Port Augusta. This kind of community led partnership is about working to deliver our youngest South Australians the best start in life and I welcome the investment here in Salisbury", Ms Smith said. 

This announcement builds on the Government’s commitment to cheaper child care which will benefit 1.26 million families.