After years of lobbying by local women, more than $20 million has been committed to a new early learning centre in Derby, a remote town in Western Australia's Kimberley, about 220 kilometres north-east of Broome.

Beneath a marquee offering some reprieve from the Kimberley wet season, Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation chair Rowena Mouda sat alongside Federal Early Childhood Minister Senator Dr Jess Walsh, WA Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton, Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna and Minderoo Foundation co-chair Nicola Forrest as the funding was announced.

The federal government will contribute $9 million through its $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, with the WA government and Minderoo Foundation investing a further $11.4 million through the Early Years Partnership.

"For our young children, the early years are fundamental to us," Ms Mouda said.

"This announcement represents a significant commitment to giving every child the best possible support. It is also very important for the town of Derby."

The centre, expected to open in 2029, will be owned and operated by Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation.

It will initially offer 30 early childhood education and care places — rising to 48 — and 30 after-school places, increasing to 35, servicing families in Derby, Mowanjum and Pandanus Park.

Senator Walsh said partnerships with Aboriginal community-controlled organisations were critical to improving outcomes in the early years.

"Led by Ngunga women, this project will give children the best possible start in life and invest in the long-term future of the Derby community," she said.

Ms Winton said the facility would bring a range of services together in one location, including playgroups, school holiday care, occasional care and family workshops, creating a single hub for families.

Minderoo Foundation co-chair Nicola Forrest said philanthropy had the flexibility to partner early and back community-led solutions.

The foundation has committed to long-term, place-based investment in Derby as part of its national early years strategy.

"This Centre has been driven by the vision, leadership and determination of Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation," Ms Forrest said.

The Derby project is the first site funded under a $100 million co-investment between the Commonwealth and the Investment Dialogue for Australia's Children, and one of 24 priority projects under the 10-year Early Years Partnership across Derby, Armadale West, Bidyadanga and the Central Great Southern.

Ms D'Anna described the commitment as "a huge win for the Derby community", saying culturally safe, community-led services were essential to improving outcomes for Kimberley children and families.