Media Releases

08 Oct 2009 - $16.7 million gives Aboriginal children the best start

The Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Child Care and Youth, Kate Ellis, and the Victorian Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand, today announced two new Children and Family Centres for Victoria.

The centres at Bairnsdale and Whittlesea will offer quality early learning and care for Indigenous children and give support and guidance to their parents and families.

"These centres will bring together early childhood services that are crucial to giving Aboriginal youngsters the best start in life," Ms Ellis said.

"At the two centres, Aboriginal children will have a chance to explore their heritage, make new friends and get active, through art and play," she said.

"The Children and Family Centres will target the needs of Indigenous families and their children, but can also provide services to all disadvantaged families in the local communities."

Minister Morand made the announcement at the opening of the Bubup Wilam for Early Learning, which means 'Children's Place', at Lalor with Federal Member for Scullin Harry Jenkins and State Member for Thomastown Peter Batchelor.

"Today is a double celebration as we mark the opening of a great new service at Lalor and look forward to the construction of two more centres for Aboriginal children," Ms Morand said.

"About 20 Aboriginal children, aged three and four, are already enjoying the benefits that come with early learning and socialisation at the Bubup Wilam for Early Learning.

"We want to give all Victorian children the best possible start in life and every opportunity to reach their full potential and that's what we're doing in partnership with the Commonwealth.

"The Rudd and Brumby Governments are responding Victoria's baby boom and the high number of Aboriginal births in Bairnsdale and Whittlesea."

Mr Batchelor said about 100 Aboriginal children aged four-years-old or younger were living in the City of Whittlesea, with 24 births recorded last year.

"It is so important that we deliver services that Victorian families need most and which are beneficial and relevant to their needs," Mr Batchelor said.

There are 158 Aboriginal children aged between 0-4 years in East Gippsland, with 41 Indigenous babies born last year.

The Victorian Government will consult the community to decide the new sites and the types of services offered.

The two new centres will be fully funded by the Australian Government under the Indigenous Early Childhood Development National Partnership and are due to open by mid-2011.

The National Partnership provides joint funding of $564 million over six years to help address the needs of Indigenous children.

Under the partnership, at least 35 Children and Family Centres will be built in urban, regional and remote locations across Australia.

For more information visit www.deewr.gov.au/earlychildhood.