The Australian Government has launched the 50th Connected Beginnings site in Kununurra, Western Australia, marking a significant milestone in the national effort to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. According to a news release, this expansion completes the government’s goal of establishing 50 sites across the country, six months ahead of schedule.
The Connected Beginnings program, aimed at improving the early childhood development of First Nations children, began in 2021 with a commitment of $81.8 million to expand the program to 50 locations by 2025. With the opening of the Kununurra site, approximately 600 local children will benefit from integrated education and health services.
Minister for early childhood education, Dr. Anne Aly MP, announced $2.4 million in funding for Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Limited, the organisation responsible for delivering the services at the 50th site. Minister Aly highlighted the program’s success in closing the developmental gap for First Nations children and praised the early achievement of the milestone.
“It is wonderful to launch the 50th Connected Beginnings site in Kununurra, providing wrap-around education and health support services to 600 local First Nations children,” Minister Aly said. “Connected Beginnings is delivering significant positive results for First Nations children right across the country, helping to Close the Gap by improving developmental outcomes.”
The program now supports approximately 24,800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across 50 sites, with the potential to assist up to 20% of children aged 0-5 in these communities.
Connected Beginnings is a community-driven initiative, co-funded by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Aged Care, and delivered in partnership with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
Learn more about Connected Beginnings and explore all 50 sites.