Government outlines $100 million-plus investment in community-led care for First Nations families

The Australian Government has announced over $100 million to boost culturally safe, community-led care for First Nations mothers and young children.

The announcement outlines support for 15 organisations, including 14 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. The models of care commenced on 1 July 2026 and support families during pregnancy, infancy and the early years, up to age three.

“The new model gives us greater flexibility to tailor support to the unique needs and priorities of our community,” said Jodie Stevens, interim CEO of Nunkuwarrin Yunti.

Local communities shape care for mothers and children

The care models replace the Family Partnerships Program to provide more flexibility for services supporting mothers and children. Antenatal care, support for healthy birth weights and broader maternal and child health needs are all included.

The models were developed with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, building on their existing knowledge and relationships with families. This promotes self-determination and the transition to community control, as outlined in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Rebecca White said culturally safe, First Nations-led services improve engagement with care and support better outcomes for women, babies and families. The models also aim to strengthen connections to family, community and culture.

Connecting services from pregnancy through the early years

Organisations receiving funding are located across NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT. These include the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health’s North and South services, Wuchopperen Health Service, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative and Nunkuwarrin Yunti.

Ms Stevens said greater flexibility would allow Nunkuwarrin Yunti to better integrate the program with its broader maternal and child health services. Those broader services support families throughout pregnancy until their child turns five.

She said integrating services around families’ needs would strengthen continuity of care and enable earlier support when challenges arise, helping children grow up healthy and connected to their culture and community.

View the Government’s announcement and full list of organisations receiving funding.