NEW FIRST NATIONS CONTROLLED EARLY LEARNING SERVICES WILL HELP CLOSE THE GAP
4 November 2023 – The Federal Government’s investment in four new First Nations community controlled early learning services has been welcomed by Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign.
Minderoo’s Jay Weatherill said the investment in First Nations controlled and delivered, culturally safe early childhood education and care would make a profound difference in the communities and help close the gap.
“High quality early learning is hugely beneficial for children. The evidence shows children who attend early learning start school ready to learn, are more likely to finish school, experience better health and wellbeing and are more likely to go on to further education and participate in the workforce,” Mr Weatherill said.
“But there are too many childcare deserts, where children miss out simply because of where their parents live, including many remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“The whole Thrive by Five community welcomes Minister Anne Aly’s announcement and the investment that will follow.”
Mr Weatherill also paid tribute to SNAICC, the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and the children’s advocates in Ti Tree on Anmatjere country.
“The leadership SNAICC have shown on early learning issues has made a crucial difference and helped deliver this important investment.
“I want to also highlight the work of the community in Ti Tree, who have been calling for an early childhood service for their babies, children and families for many years. Without their voices, the children of Ti Tree would continue to miss out.”
Thrive by Five will continue to work towards the establishment of a universally accessible early learning and childcare system, including further investment in First Nations community controlled early learning and the removal of the childcare Activity Test for all children regardless of their postcode.
