Media release: Delivering early childhood education and care services for remote communities

04 April 2023

THE HON DR ANNE ALY MP

Minister for Early Childhood Education

Minister for Youth

 

Families in Australia’s most remote locations will benefit from the establishment of new community-run early childhood education and care services.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly today announced four new early childhood education and care services thanks to an almost $30 million expansion of the Government’s Community Child Care Fund Restricted Program.

“All Australian children should be able to access quality early childhood education and care regardless of where they live,” Dr Aly said.

“We know that when children access quality early childhood education and care they do better throughout life, from better health outcomes, improved school readiness and higher paying jobs later in life.

“These new services will ensure more First Nations children can access the transformational health and education benefits of early childhood education and care while also being better prepared for their first years of school”

The sites will be run by First Nations led organisations in the following locations:

  • Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation in Tennant Creek, NT
  • Puuya Foundation in Lockhart River, QLD
  • Napranum Aboriginal Land Council in Napranum, QLD
  • Wunan Foundation in Kununurra, WA.

The size of the four sites is expected to range from 20 to 50 First Nations children per site, jointly providing access to vital quality early childhood education and care for up to 200 children per year.

“It’s important all of the sites are run by First Nations led organisations, putting culturally appropriate early learning and care at the heart of service delivery,” Minister Aly said.

“We’re working in partnership with First Nations people to Close the Gap and improve outcomes in early childhood education.”

SNAICC has been engaged as the Community Partner for these new sites to support their establishment and the ongoing implementation of community-led and culturally safe early childhood education and care.

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