A First Nations playgroup pilot is set to support Indigenous children and their families to learn and thrive through play.
The federal government initiative, announced Monday - one day after National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day - aims to support the theme of Strong in Culture, Stronger Together by proving increased opportunities for parents and children to learn, grow and engage with family, community and culture.
At least 13 Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations across the country will share in more than $2.1 million through the pilot, funding which will provide accessible and affordable spaces, resources and opportunities for First Nations children to play together and for parents and carers to seek social and parenting support.
SNAICC – National Voice for our Children will partner with the federal government to support the implementation of the program.
SNAICC chief executive Catherine Liddle said by partnering with First Nations community controlled organisations, the Pilot program gives community leaders the ability to identify and innovate solutions that will help close the gap around early childhood development.
"First Nations Playgroups are place-based, which means the activities of each group can truly respond to the needs and aspirations of their community and local families," Ms Liddle said.
"Each group takes an integrated and intergenerational approach to early learning, with the ability to wrap a support network around a child and integrate with other services to ensure our children are ready to thrive in school environments."
First Nations playgroups help to support Target 4 of the Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, which is to increase the proportion of Indigenous children assessed as developmentally on track in all five domains of the Australian Early Development Census to 55 per cent by 2031.
Federal minister for social services, Amanda Rishworth said playgroups brought enormous benefit to children, parents and communities right across the country.
"Expanding our investment in playgroups with culturally informed and community-led First Nations playgroups continues our focus on improving the lives of all Australian children," Ms Rishworth said.
"It is great to see local communities interact so closely with this initiative and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations to be supported.
"Our goal is to continue to support playgroups across Australia to enhance early learning, development and wellbeing of First Nations children and support stronger family, community, and cultural connections.
"I look forward to seeing more First Nations playgroups open across Australia, to strengthen community bonds for children, and improve the wellbeing of families across the nation."
The federal government said the initiative will increase opportunities for First Nations children and families to attend culturally safe services in their communities.
The co-designed First Nations Playgroups Pilot program focuses on two of the four reform priorities under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: establishing formal partnerships and shared decision making with First Nations people; and contributing to the development of a stronger community-controlled sector.
