University of Canberra joins Thrive by Five campaign advocating for urgent, lasting early learning reform
30 March 2020 – The University of Canberra has joined Minderoo Foundation’s Thrive by Five campaign advocating for reform of Australia’s early learning and childcare system. The University of Canberra joins more than 60 organisations and individuals supporting the call for a high quality and universally accessible early learning system.
The addition of the University of Canberra follows a recent National Press Club address on early learning and care by Minderoo Foundation Co-Chair Nicola Forrest AO and Thrive by Five CEO Jay Weatherill AO.
Mrs Forrest, a University of Canberra alumna, said she was thrilled that her alma mater had joined the campaign.
“A cultural shift is underway in Australia and that shift is towards a high-quality, affordable early learning system,” Mrs Forrest said. “The research and modelling on the importance of early childhood learning has reached the point where it is both compelling socially and economically.
“Reforming Australia’s childcare and early learning system resonates with every family in the country and we’re thrilled to have the University of Canberra’s backing.” Mr Weatherill said that the University of Canberra would help strengthen the evidence-base of early learning and contribute to keeping the issue on the political agenda.
“We’re very excited to have the University of Canberra on board and we can’t wait to work with them on a range of opportunities for the sector. We’re sure that together, our impact on this issue will be significant,” Mr Weatherill said.
“The announcement today demonstrates early learning is not just an issue for parents and children, it’s so much more than that. We’ve had support from businesses, unions, charities, research institutions and various other groups since our launch last year and there’s more to come.” Professor Barney Dalgarno, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Canberra said that the University was excited to be joining the campaign and looked forward to working with the Minderoo Foundation on its Thrive by Five campaign.
“The University of Canberra has a long history of research and engagement in the early learning sector and a very strong commitment to the objective of high quality and universally accessible early learning opportunities for all children.
“We are excited to partner with the Thrive by Five campaign and to directly contribute to the evidence base behind the initiative.”
“We’re hoping that by working together we can help advance this issue to the top of the political agenda for the benefit of the early learning system, educators, researchers and, most importantly, our future generations,” he said.
“We strongly believe that the proposed reforms will help to ensure that early-year educators that come through our university are well-resourced and supported in the workplace after they graduate.
“The University of Canberra is ready to advocate for this campaign however we can.”
