Connected Beginnings expands into Dubbo

The Connected Beginnings program, which aims to enhance the school readiness of First Nations children, is expanding into the New South Wales regional community of Dubbo, Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly announced earlier this week. 

More than $2 million in funding will be directed to the Three Rivers Regional Assembly Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the Connected Beginnings program to connect First Nations children aged birth to five years of age 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.

“All children, no matter their background or where they live, should be able to access the transformational benefits of quality early childhood education and care,” Dr Aly said.

“The Connected Beginnings program is delivering significant positive results for First Nations children right across the country, helping to Close the Gap (and) is empowering communities to design and deliver the program in a way which supports their individual needs and aspirations.”

The new site in Dubbo will support around 1,000 local First Nations children and joins 43 other locations across the country supporting around 20,700 First Nations children.

A key contributor to the early childhood targets set in Closing the Gap, the program builds partnerships with First Nations communities by supporting community-led decision-making under the National Agreement.

“Connected Beginnings is all about centring the voices of First Nations Australian and a community-led approach,” Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Ged Kearney said.

“From child care (sic.), to pre-school, to primary school, Connected Beginnings is setting First Nations kids (sic.) up for the best start in life.”

The Australian Government partners with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation to deliver the Connected Beginnings program, which is driving an increase in preschool enrolments and improvements to developmental outcomes.

Other Connected Beginnings sites in New South Wales include Doonside, Mount Druitt, Taree, Bourke, Wagga Wagga, Broken Hill, Gosford and Wyong. 

Learn more about the Connected Beginnings here.