Expanding quality early childhood education and care in remote Queensland

Families in remote Queensland are gaining improved access to high-quality, culturally responsive early childhood education and care (ECEC), following the opening of the integrated Napranum Early Childhood Centre outside Weipa.

Funded through a 2021 grant from the Australian Government’s Community Child Care Fund (Restricted), the project combined the former daycare and kindergarten services into a new centre co-designated and led by the Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council, in partnership with the Department of Education and SNAICC – National Voice for our Children 

The centre’s development reflects more than two years of community consultation and collaboration led by the Napranum Council.

SNAICC provided essential support to ensure the service was community-led and maintained cultural safety, reinforcing local governance over early years education 

The integrated model now provides essential kindergarten and daycare services within one facility—located in an area previously underserved by Child Care Subsidy approved services 

This expansion aligns with the Australian Government’s commitment of $500 million over four years to the Community Child Care Fund, designed to enhance ECEC access in regional and remote communities.

Minister for Early Childhood Education, Senator Dr Jess Walsh, stated the Napranum centre represents a milestone for First Nations-led ECEC and a model for delivering “quality and culturally safe early childhood education and care”to children and families in remote communities.

The success of the Napranum Early Childhood Centre signals a strategic shift in remote ECEC towards locally led, culturally safe, and integrated service delivery. 

As the Community Child Care Fund continues its roll-out, more such models are anticipated across Australia’s remote First Nations communities.

Sector leaders are encouraged to monitor the progress and outcomes of the Napranum centre as a benchmark for replicable, high-quality ECEC practice in complex environments.

Read the Australian Government announcement here.