A federal government initiative helping First Nations children thrive has been expanded to 50 communities across the country.
On Thursday, Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, and early childhood Minister, Anne Aly, announced $2.4 million for the Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Limited to help deliver the Connected Beginnings program in Kununurra.
The new site will support around 600 local First Nations children, with Minister McCarthy saying the 50th site was an "exciting milestone for the community-led initiative," which is working towards closing the gap in early childhood outcomes for First Nations children.
"Connected Beginnings is ensuring more First Nations children have access to the resources and support they need to thrive," she said.
Minister Aly agreed, noting: "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."
Binarri-binyja Yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation chief executive, Peter Webster, said the funding from the program represented a "significant step" towards improving childhood and family support for Indigenous children in the region.
"We are dedicated to integrating Aboriginal perspectives into various practices, promoting cultural relevance and inclusivity, and providing comprehensive support for children and their families," he said.
The Connected Beginnings program helps connect Indigenous children with a range of early childhood education, health, and family support services with the goal of helping children meet the learning and development waypoints to successfully transition into schooling.
"Importantly, the structure of Connected Beginnings means that each community is empowered to design and deliver the program in a way which supports their individual needs and aspirations," Minister Aly said.
The government says the 50 sites in the program have the ability to support 20 per cent of all First Nations Children between the ages of zero and five and has partnered with SNAICC - National Voice for our Children, and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
"Through this program, the Albanese Labor Government is working alongside Aboriginal communities, including in the East Kimberley, to set up First Nations children for a bright future," Minister McCarthy said.
SNAICC chief executive, Catherine Liddle, has been vocal in her calls for more Indigenous-led programs to help First Nations children and families thrive.
She said the benefits of the Connected Beginnings program were undeniable, citing increased school readiness, to stronger family connections.
"By allowing each community to tailor their services to the unique needs of each community in places like Kununurra, Connected Beginnings is creating pathways for long-term success for children and families across the country," Ms Liddle said.
In communities with established sites, the program is helping to drive increases in preschool enrolments, as well as improvements in developmental outcomes.
The new site in Kununurra is part of the government's $81.8 million investment to expand the program to 50 sites across the country by June this year.
However, Minister Aly said this expansion had been completed six months early.
"The new site completes the Connected Beginnings expansion six months ahead of schedule, this significant early milestone means more children can access more supports sooner," she said.
Ms Liddle agreed, arguing: "As we celebrate 50 sites, we're not just acknowledging a successful program, we're seeing a movement that's impacting the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by offering culturally safe, integrated services that are driving positive developmental outcomes."
