Kaurna Plains Children’s Centre to receive $1.8m to boost early learning

Kaurna Plains Children’s Centre in Adelaide’s northern suburbs will receive $1.8 million via a new community partnership to boost early learning for Aboriginal children.

Minister for Education Jason Clare and Minister for Early Childhood Education Anne Aly visited the centre last week to announce funding for the Connected Beginnings program that will commence in line with NAIDOC Week, which is acknowledged from 3-10 July.

“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.”

It is anticipated that Connected Beginnings will support 1,000 Aboriginal children before school. The community-led program links health and early education experts with Elders, families and children.

The Salisbury chapter 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 explained.

Connected Beginnings is already having an impact in the South Australian communities of Ceduna and Port Augusta, SA Senator Marielle Smith explained, welcoming “the kind of community-led partnership that brings the youngest South Australians the best start in life” to Salisbury. 

More information about Connected Beginnings is available here.