The Albanese Government is setting First Nations children in Nowra up for success, with targeted wrap-around support helping to bridge the gap to school readiness.
Boori Milumba in Nowra, is participating in an intensive early childhood education and care trial, giving children the best possible start in life.
High quality early childhood education and care is critical in supporting a child’s development and future outcomes, with children experiencing disadvantage or vulnerability set to benefit the most from accessing quality early learning.
The multi-disciplinary trial offers intensive early education and care, infant mental health and family support, access to services to redress harm and overcome trauma, and support for children’s learning and development.
The model is designed to lift school readiness and broader education and health outcomes for participants while helping to further build the evidence base for best practice early learning programs in Australia.
Co-located at the Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Boori Milumba is currently the only First Nations-led site participating in the trial.
The Albanese Government is investing $9.5 million to deliver the trial across four sites, with up to 200 children, under the age of three set to benefit.
Boori Milumba has been co-developed in partnership with SNAICC, with a focus on a First Nations service-led design process that is culturally grounded, holistic, and responsive to the needs and aspirations of local First Nations children and families.
Learn how else the Albanese Government is investing to improve the lives of First Nations children through better access to quality early childhood education and care at: https://www.education.gov.au/closing-the-gap/early-childhood-package-closing-gap.
Quotes attributable to Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP:
“I am absolutely delighted to see this trial, targeted at our First Nations communities, being supported by the Albanese Government right here in Nowra.
“Accessing quality early childhood education can be really tough in regional areas like ours, and we know how important this is to setting our kids up for a successful future.
“Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre already makes such a positive impact on local families, I am confident Boori Milumba will see even stronger outcomes for Closing the Gap on education for local Indigenous children, using local First Nations knowledge to drive its success.
“It was absolutely wonderful to see that collaboration first hand today – well done to everyone involved in putting this collaborative program together – particularly SNAICC, the staff at Cullunghutti and all the local Aboriginal families and Elders involved.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Anne Aly:
“All children, no matter where they live, should be able to access the transformational benefits of quality early childhood education.
“This trial is an important part of how the Albanese Government is working in partnership with First Nations people to Close the Gap.
“Children who access early childhood education do better on key measures throughout life, including improved literacy and numeracy skills, better health outcomes and go on to higher paying jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children Catherine Liddle
“SNAICC is very excited to be involved in this initiative that will help our children be ready for big school, setting them up to thrive.
“Boori Milumba draws on First Nations knowledge and wisdom to create a nurturing environment for our children that celebrates their cultural identity.
“We know through evidence and experience that this Aboriginal-led approach, together with the intensive supports on offer, will make a huge difference to the outcomes for children and families.”
