New funding for Early Learning and Family Centre in WA
The Federal and WA State Governments and the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children (IDAC) are to partner to deliver a new Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby, Western Australia.
The Federal Government is to invest $9 million through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to build the new Derby Early Learning and Family Centre, with the WA Government and Minderoo Foundation investing $11.4 million in funding through the Early Years Partnership.
This marks the first IDAC project to receive funding through the Building Early Education Fund, which is building more quality not-for-profit early education centres where Australian families need them most.
The Derby Early Learning and Family Centre will be an early learning hub with 30 (growing to 48) early childhood education and care places and 30 (growing to 35) after-school care places for families in Derby, Mowanjum, and Pandanus Park.
Federal Early Childhood Minister Senator Dr Jess Walsh.
“Quality early learning delivered in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations builds strong connections, confidence and belonging for children through the early years and beyond,” Federal Early Childhood Minister Senator Dr Jess Walsh said.
“We’re proud to partner with Ngunga women and families, alongside the Cook Government and Minderoo, with support from the Albanese Government’s $1 billion Building Early Education Fund.
“Led by the Ngunga Group Women’s Aboriginal Corporation, this project will give children the best possible start in life and invest in the long-term future of the Derby community.
Collaborative approach
“This is the first IDAC project to receive funding through the Building Early Education Fund and is a great example of governments working alongside the community and philanthropy to benefit families and children.”
The service is expected to open in 2029 and will be owned and run by Ngunga Group Women’s Aboriginal Corporation.
It will provide culturally safe early childhood education for First Nations children to foster children’s emotional and social development and encourage school readiness.
It will also offer early learning services, playgroups, after-school care, school holiday activities, occasional care (creche), family workshops, seminars, support, and training in two buildings on one site to create an early childhood hub.
Minderoo Foundation founder Nicola Forrest.
Minderoo Foundation founder Nicola Forrest said the centre had been driven by the vision, leadership and determination of Ngunga Group Women’s Aboriginal Corporation and represents a shining example of what’s possible when communities lead solutions for their children and families.
“Improving the early years is at the core of Minderoo Foundation’s strategy to empower Australian families and communities through place-based programs, and we’re proud to stand alongside Ngunga, the State and Commonwealth governments, to help bring this important project to life for Derby and surrounding communities,” Ms Forrest said.
The hub is part of the Government’s $100 million partnership with IDAC to build supply and capacity of integrated early years services.
Priority projects
The partnership is one of the biggest co-investments between government and philanthropy in Australian history and brings together early learning, child and maternal health services with family and community supports.
This service is also one of 24 priority projects funded through the Early Years Partnership, which is a unique 10-year collaboration between the Cook Government, Minderoo Foundation, and the communities of Derby, Armadale West, Bidyadanga, and Central Great Southern.
The EYP aims to improve the development, health and learning outcomes of children aged 0 to 4 years across the partner communities.
It builds on several projects that have been delivered under the EYP across the four partner communities, including the delivery of a four-wheel drive bus for the community of Pandanus Park, supporting children and families to access early learning and health appointments.
