Community-led early learning service opens in Alice Springs to support First Nations children

A new early childhood education and care service has opened in Alice Springs, increasing access to high-quality, culturally responsive education for local First Nations families.

The Todd Street Child Care Centre, led by the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation (Congress), will provide early learning for up to 37 children. The service expands on the work of Congress’s existing Gap Road Childcare Centre, offering additional support for families in Mparntwe, the Arrernte name for Alice Springs, and surrounding communities.

Congress, which has served the region for over 50 years, delivers integrated health and wellbeing programs for Aboriginal children and families, with a strong emphasis on early years education. The new service embeds local languages, emphasises enriched caregiving, and ensures a culturally safe and nurturing environment for children in preparation for preschool.

The establishment of the Todd Street service was made possible through the Australian Government’s Community Child Care Fund Restricted (CCCFR) Expansion Program, which is investing nearly $30 million to support First Nations-led early learning services in regional and remote areas.

Senator Jess Walsh, Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, said the opening was “an important day for First Nations children and families in Alice Springs”.

“Early education gives children the best start in life, and every child in the Northern Territory should benefit from access to quality and culturally safe early education and its transformative benefits,” she said.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, also welcomed the new service.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working in partnership with First Nations organisations like Congress,and I congratulate them for their important work supporting children to get the best start in life. ” she said.

“Ensuring First Nations children are engaged in high quality and culturally appropriate early childhood education is an important part of Closing the Gap.”

The new centre offers local families a safe, holistic environment that supports both developmental needs and cultural identity. Early identification of developmental concerns is a key feature of the service, enabling timely access to health and support services.

Dawn Ross, General Manager Child, Youth & Families at Congress, said expanding the service would help more children thrive.

“Congress is pleased to be able to increase access to excellent-quality, culturally responsive care for even more children in Mparntwe,” Ms Ross said.

“The centre provides local families with confidence that their children will be cared for in a safe, nurturing environment that supports the children’s development and learning needs.”

The CCCFR Expansion Program, delivered by the Australian Government in partnership with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, supports the establishment of community-led early learning services in areas of high need. The Todd Street centre represents a tangible outcome under the Closing the Gap National Agreement, specifically supporting improved access to culturally appropriate early childhood services.

Marion Scrymgour MP, Member for Lingiari, said investment in community-led education was vital.

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to Closing the Gap and early childhood education plays a huge role.  

“The new Todd Street Child Care Centre will increase places for First Nations children in a region where access to child care is an ongoing issue.   

“I’m proud that our government is investing in our First Nations children because we know supporting children in a culturally safe setting leads to better futures, stronger families and more connected communities.”   

To learn more about the work of Congress and its early years services, visit the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress website.