General News

In The Field

Telstra’s Connected Communities Grants may help regional ECEC to thrive

Freya Lucas

Mar 05, 2025

Save

Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant, now in its third year, is a program that makes grants of up to $10,000 available for not-for-profit community organisations that provide access to information, technology, education and facilities to help strengthen regional communities and build digital capability.

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, including the pictured Coolah Preschool Kindergarten, have been grant recipients in the past, with the program a popular one in regional communities.

In 2024 27 community groups across Australia were chosen from over 280 applicants, with nine recipients in Queensland, six in Victoria, four in WA, three in SA and NSW and two in Tasmania.

ECEC projects successful in securing grant funding in 2024 included:

$953 to purchase back-up drives for the computers of staff at Hughenden Kindergarten in Queensland
$10,000 for the Empowering Futures: Digital Community Engagement for Child Development Assessments project, which aims to improve organisational efficiency and data sharing to improve education services for children in the Nambucca Valley regional area.

The Telstra Connected Community Grant Program is being run in partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).

FRRR is a not-for-profit organisation that connects common purposes and funding from government, business and philanthropy with the genuine local needs of rural people and places.

Successful applicants will have 12 months to complete the funded projects. Applicants representing not-for-profit organisations in regional, remote and rural Australia are encouraged to apply. This can include associations, charities, local councils and entities such as education and health organisations.

New applications for the 2025 grants program open on Thursday 20th February and close on Thursday 20th March.

Visit the FRRR website to apply or for more details. Image courtesy of Mark Coulton MP.

Don’t miss a thing

Language shows how children are embracing their health as ‘vitamin’ is named Oxford’s Australian Children’s Word of the Year

From vitamins and exercise to healthy eating, the latest Oxford University Press research reveals Australian children are writing about looking after themselves, highlighting an increased interest in health and self-care

Working with children who’ve experienced trauma: practical guidance and trusted resources for educators

Supporting children who have experienced trauma starts with a simple truth: children need safety before they can learn, connect or regulate. In early learning settings, educators are often the consistent, predictable adults in a child’s week, and the routines, relationships and environments within an education and care service can be a powerful protective factor.

ASIC notice confirms voluntary administration appointment

ASIC’s Published Notices register has recorded a voluntary administration appointment for Future Kids Pty Ltd (ACN 100 749 808), marking the formal commencement of an external administration process under the Corporations Act.

Affinity welcomes Riley O’Neill as Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach

Affinity Education has welcomed Riley O’Neill as its new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, leading the rollout of a Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program across Queensland services.

10 future-focused resources to support ECEC services in 2026

Modern Teaching Aids (MTA) has released 10 future-focused resources designed to support early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in 2026 and beyond. These additions align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework (NQF), with a focus on wellbeing, inclusive learning environments and intentional play.

Language shows how children are embracing their health as ‘vitamin’ is named Oxford’s Australian Children’s Word of the Year

Working with children who’ve experienced trauma: practical guidance and trusted resources for educators

ASIC notice confirms voluntary administration appointment

Affinity welcomes Riley O’Neill as Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach

Affinity Education has welcomed Riley O’Neill as its new Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach, leading the rollout of a Positive Behaviour Guidance Coaching Program across Queensland services.

10 future-focused resources to support ECEC services in 2026

Don’t miss a thing

Language shows how children are embracing their health as ‘vitamin’ is named Oxford’s Australian Children’s Word of the Year

Language shows how children are embracing their health as ‘vitamin’ is named Oxford’s Australian Children’s Word of the Year

Understanding Children

Working with children who’ve experienced trauma: practical guidance and trusted resources for educators

Affordability & Accessibility

General News

A thoughtful approach to leadership transforms early learning environments for educators, children, and families alike

Embark accelerates Mayfield takeover as conditions waived and stake passes 20 per cent

Soaking up the summer sun, Chermside children have swapped screens for sand at the inaugural Beach Big Bash, a fun day out that also delivered vital water safety lessons.

Fiona Alston

Feb 09, 2026

Telstra’s Connected Communities Grants may help regional ECEC to thrive

Don’t miss a thing

Related topics

Related Articles

Language shows how children are embracing their health as ‘vitamin’ is named Oxford’s Australian Children’s Word of the Year

Working with children who’ve experienced trauma: practical guidance and trusted resources for educators

ASIC notice confirms voluntary administration appointment

Affinity welcomes Riley O’Neill as Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach

10 future-focused resources to support ECEC services in 2026

Related Articles

Language shows how children are embracing their health as ‘vitamin’ is named Oxford’s Australian Children’s Word of the Year

Working with children who’ve experienced trauma: practical guidance and trusted resources for educators

ASIC notice confirms voluntary administration appointment

Affinity welcomes Riley O’Neill as Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach

10 future-focused resources to support ECEC services in 2026

Don’t miss a thing

Related Articles

Language shows how children are embracing their health as ‘vitamin’ is named Oxford’s Australian Children’s Word of the Year

Working with children who’ve experienced trauma: practical guidance and trusted resources for educators

ASIC notice confirms voluntary administration appointment

Affinity welcomes Riley O’Neill as Queensland Senior Behaviour Coach

10 future-focused resources to support ECEC services in 2026

Why ‘cautious curiosity’ offers a grounded way forward for AI in ECEC

A thoughtful approach to leadership transforms early learning environments for educators, children, and families alike

Embark accelerates Mayfield takeover as conditions waived and stake passes 20 per cent

Soaking up the summer sun, Chermside children have swapped screens for sand at the inaugural Beach Big Bash, a fun day out that also delivered vital water safety lessons.

Keep Exploring