Indigenous Advancement Strategy to benefit early childhood activities

First Nations children and families will continue to benefit from early childhood activities through a $70.4 million, two-year investment through the Federal Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

The investment will extend funding for 188 activities across the country, ensuring 173 organisations can continue to support First Nations children in their early years and support them to be ready for school.

The investment will support a range of culturally safe First Nations early childhood development initiatives, including:

• $16.8 million for facilitated playgroups
• $15.5 million for integrated early childhood approaches including wrap-around activities
• $14.5 million for family, parenting, kinship or carer support activities
• $14.1 million for early learning activities
• $9.4 million to increase family and community access and engagement.

This investment complements other Commonwealth early years programs, which provide childcare, preschool, health and family support.

“Extending this funding commitment means First Nations families can continue to benefit from early childhood activities and services to help their children thrive,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said. 

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting First Nations children to get the best start in life through high quality, culturally appropriate education and development initiatives in their early years.”

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle welcomed the news, saying the increased funding will “make a huge difference in delivering services and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander early education and care services around the country.”

“Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. These projects involve collaborating with and strengthening Aboriginal community-controlled organisations as well as skilling up mainstream Early Childhood Education and Care services who work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.”