‘We Are Your Children’: New campaign urges community support for early learning in regional Australia

A new campaign from the Childcare Leadership Alliance (CLA) is calling on regional communities across Australia to unite behind early learning, highlighting the critical role that accessible, high-quality care plays in workforce participation, children’s development and local prosperity.

Launched this week, the We Are Your Children campaign urges residents, businesses and governments to come together in support of early childhood education and care (ECEC) services in rural and regional areas.

Since forming in 2022 with backing from BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Astute Early Years Specialists, the CLA has worked to address early learning challenges in remote and underserved communities.

Chair of the CLA, Melissa Westcott, said the campaign aims to grow momentum and strengthen support networks for the early years.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve built the foundations of the CLA,” Ms Westcott said. “Now, we need everyone – large industry, small businesses and the entire community – to come on board. Your support is crucial for us to continue making a difference in the lives of our little ones.”

Elevating early learning in regional communities

The We Are Your Children campaign outlines three key ways that quality early learning services contribute to thriving regions:

• Community support: Early learning enables parents to return to work and contribute to the local economy.
• Children’s access to learning: High-quality ECEC lays strong developmental foundations and supports future success.
• Regional prosperity: A robust early years sector helps attract skilled workers, grow local businesses and create jobs.

Since 2022, the CLA has delivered a range of outcomes for children, families and services in regional Australia, including:

• Recruiting and relocating qualified educators, easing waitlists and increasing availability for families
• Providing professional development via online and in-person training
• Supporting five providers across eight early learning services
• Hosting four sector events and launching the year-long leadership and networking program, Care to Lead
• Developing the Get Ready for Work program to support international educators and new sector entrants

Moranbah Early Learning Centre Manager Jodi Schnack said the CLA’s impact on workforce stability had been significant.

“Thanks to the incredible support from the Childcare Leadership Alliance, we’ve been able to welcome more dedicated educators into our team and offer places to even more families in our community,” she said. “Their support has truly made a difference to the lives of our children and their futures.”

How to get involved

BMA Peak Downs Mine General Manager and CLA Director Mick Thomas said the alliance had proven results and deserved broader backing.

“I strongly encourage other organisations to support the CLA to help ensure this crucial service can continue to address childcare challenges in regional Australia,” he said.

The CLA is inviting individuals and organisations to get involved by:

• Watching and sharing the campaign video using the hashtag #WeAreYourChildren
• Signing up to the newsletter
• Learning more or donating via the CLA website