Connected Beginnings expands into Kununurra

The successful Connected Beginnings program has now been expanded to 50 communities across Australia, helping more First Nations children thrive in the crucial early years.

Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly and Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy have recently announced $2.4 million for Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Limited to deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Kununurra, Western Australia.

“It is wonderful to launch the 50th Connected Beginnings site in Kununurra, providing wrap-around education and health support services to 600 local First Nations children,” Dr Aly said.

“The new site completes the Connected Beginnings expansion six months ahead of schedule, this significant early milestone means more children can access more supports sooner.”

The program connects First Nations children 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 Kununurra will support around 600 local First Nations children.

Together, the 50 Connected Beginnings sites have the ability to support 20 per cent of all First Nations Children aged zero to five years of age.

The community-led program is a key contributor to the early childhood Closing the Gap targets and is already delivering positive results.

In communities with established Connected Beginnings sites, the program is 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 (NACCHO) to deliver the program.

“As we celebrate 50 sites, we’re not just acknowledging a successful program, we’re seeing a movement that’s impacting the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by offering culturally safe, integrated services that are driving positive developmental outcomes,” SNAICC Chief Executive Catherine Liddle said.

“By allowing each community to tailor their services to the unique needs of each community in places like Kununurra, Connected Beginnings is creating pathways for long-term success for children and families across the country.”

The new site is part of an Australian Government $81.8 million investment to expand the program to 50 sites across the country by June 2025.

Learn more about the Connected Beginnings program here.