Thriving Futures: BHP renews $3.9m commitment to regional ECEC workforce

Western Australia’s early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is set to benefit from a renewed three-year partnership between BHP and Child Australia, focused on building a sustainable workforce in regional communities. The $3.9 million funding commitment will expand the reach and impact of the Thriving Futures initiative, which has already delivered measurable improvements in workforce stability and access to early learning in the Pilbara and Goldfields.

BHP has once again put its weight behind Western Australia’s regional communities, renewing its partnership with Child Australia through a fresh three-year funding agreement for the Thriving Futures initiative. BHP and Child Australia have been working together in the Pilbara since 2020 to secure a pipeline of skilled early childhood educators for Hedland and Newman.

Thriving Futures is leading the charge to tackle WA’s chronic shortage of early childhood educators, with a hands-on approach to attracting, training, and keeping quality professionals where they’re needed most, right in the heart of our remote towns.

Recent data from a Childcare Needs Assessment Report, commissioned by the Town of Port Hedland, confirms that Thriving Futures has played a central role in halving childcare waitlists in Hedland and reducing waitlists in Newman to near zero, since the program commenced in 2020, a big win for local families and employers.

At the centre of this work is the Educator Recognition Program (ERP), which rewards local educators with fair pay, ongoing professional development, and clear career pathways. By focusing on support and recognition, Thriving Futures is setting a new benchmark for building a strong, sustainable early childhood education workforce across the Pilbara and Goldfields.

BHP Manager Community WA Rachel Donkin said BHP was committed to supporting families in regional communities.

“Quality childcare is essential for regional families. Through our partnership with Child Australia, we are backing the childcare workforce that helps parents get to work and gives kids the best start in life. It is a long-term investment in the future of regional communities.”

Child Australia CEO Tina Holtom welcomed the renewed support, praising BHP’s leadership in tackling one of regional WA’s toughest challenges.

“The early childhood sector is under enormous pressure, especially outside the metro area. Thanks to BHP’s support, Thriving Futures has been able to drive results that matter, contributing to halving childcare waitlists in Hedland and almost eliminating waitlists in Newman. This is proof that place-based, long-term investment works. Together, we’re building real pathways for educators and delivering better outcomes for children and families.”

The program continues to open doors for First Nations Australians, school leavers, career changers, and parents returning to the workforce, championing early childhood education as a career of choice, purpose, and impact.

With the demand for childcare rising across the regions, Thriving Futures remains laser-focused on building a skilled, supported, and sustainable workforce that meets the needs of WA families now, and for generations to come.

Program Impact Highlights (Past 5 years)

• 67 candidates successfully placed in employment
• 53 candidates supported through formal mentoring
• 23 scholarship recipients
• 20 academy students graduated
• 23 academy students gained employment
• 133 hours of professional development workshops delivered
• 238 hours of consultancy provided to Centre Directors

BHP’s renewed funding signals a long-term commitment to addressing systemic challenges in regional early learning. With a proven model and strong partnerships in place, Thriving Futures is well-positioned to continue delivering meaningful outcomes for educators, families and children in Western Australia.

To learn more or access the program, visit here.