New Horn Island early childhood service to support First Nations children and families

The Albanese Government has announced funding for a new community-led early childhood education and care (ECEC) service on Horn Island (Ngurupai) in the Torres Strait, designed to support around 25 local children and their families.

The service, to be known as the Ngurupai Early Childhood Education and Care Service, will be established through the Australian Government’s $30 million Community Child Care Fund Restricted (CCCFR) Expansion Program.

It will be operated by the Kaurareg Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (KNTAC), the prescribed body corporate responsible for the land, seas and interests of the Kaurareg People, in partnership with Astute Early Years Specialists.

This announcement marks the ninth site funded under the CCCFR Expansion Program, which aims to deliver culturally appropriate early learning services in remote and very remote areas, with a strong focus on supporting First Nations children and families.

Ministerial support

Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, Senator Dr Jess Walsh, said the initiative reflects the Government’s ongoing commitment to the Closing the Gap National Agreement, particularly in strengthening the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

“This new service will give First Nations children on Horn Island access to the benefits of culturally inclusive early education,” Dr Walsh said.

“We know that quality early learning results in better health outcomes, improved school readiness and higher paying jobs later in life. Quality and safe early education is beneficial for all children, and particularly for those living in remote and very remote areas such as Horn Island.”

Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith MP welcomed the funding, noting it responds to long-standing concerns raised by local families.

“The lack of available early education on Horn Island (Ngurupai) has been brought up to me by many locals on my visits to the region,” Mr Smith said.

“This funding will be a game changer for many families… many of whom have had to travel to Thursday Island in the past to access early education. Remote communities deserve to have access to the services they need close to home.”

He also acknowledged the advocacy of the former Miles Labor Government, former state member for Cook Cynthia Lui, and the KNTAC in bringing the project to life.

Strengthening local voices

The Ngurupai service is the latest example of how the CCCFR Expansion Program is creating opportunities for Aboriginal community leadership in early childhood education, while ensuring children in remote regions can access high-quality, culturally inclusive learning close to home.

The official release is available via the Minister for Early Childhood Education’s website here.