2008 Early Years Awards - Winners
Better access to child and family support, health services and early education
Early Learning Centre @ Rosewall - City of Greater Geelong
The Early Learning Centre@Rosewall takes a holistic approach to children’s early learning and development that is closely integrated with a range of support programs and activities that encourage family and community participation.
Based in a disadvantaged area in Geelong, Geelong City Council worked with parents, the community, numerous community agencies and government to develop the centre model. The centre includes a long day kindergarten program, supported playgroups, family support and early intervention services and community development activities to engage local children and families.
The ultimate objective is to have as many children as possible in the Rosewall area engaged in early learning opportunities, achieve school readiness, and meet key developmental benchmarks.
Improvements in parent's capacity, confidence and enjoyment of family
Building Bridges through Supported Playgroups - Knox City Council
The community of Knox benefits from one of the largest numbers of community based playgroups in the Melbourne Metropolitan region. However, many families who experience disadvantage or vulnerable circumstances find it hard to participate and stay engaged in these community playgroups.
Knox City Council identified the need to establish supported playgroups through their Municipal Early Years Plan and has actively worked with willing partners to establish professionally staffed supported playgroups for vulnerable families.
Vulnerability and disadvantage presents itself in many guises ranging from intellectual disability, developmental delay and disability through to social and economic disadvantage and family violence circumstances. The Building Bridges through Supported Playgroups initiative has changed lives. As one parent described in an evaluation session, “It’s made all the difference. I have made a decision to change my life around”.
Communities that are becoming more family and child friendly
Celebrating families and children - Mt Alexander Community Children’s Network
Mt Alexander Community Children’s Network (MACCN) is a local community network established in response to community identification of the need for a collaborative and integrated early years’ community forum.
Through community events, activities, education and professional development, a shared goal reinforces the vision of Mt Alexander as a place where families and children are celebrated; a community where children feel safe, connected to their local community, and can showcase their talent. Outcomes have included:
- seamless integration of MACCN within local community
- successful inaugural 2007 children’s week festival
- collaborative partnerships formed and sustained
- shared professional development opportunities
Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development's Award
Welcome Baby to Country Ceremony - Barenji Gadjin Land Council
The Welcome Baby to Country project is a contemporary concept based on the Aboriginal tradition of ‘Tandurrum’, which was a ceremony performed by the Traditional Owners to recognise and welcome other visiting Aboriginal people and families upon entering their traditional lands and country. In this specific context, the Welcome Baby to Country Ceremony facilitated a positive and inspiring engagement of Traditional Owners and the broader Aboriginal community to celebrate the birth of Indigenous babies in the Wimmera/Mallee region, focus attention on children’s needs and achievements and acknowledge the role of parents, carers and families in their growth and development.
The Welcome Baby to Country project was a joint initiative between Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Delkaia Aboriginal Best Start project and Horsham Rural City Council. The project was also successful in increasing the engagement of relevant support services with Indigenous parents, carers and families and in providing an opportunity to supply information, resources and assistance to Indigenous parents and families on children’s needs and health and wellbeing issues.
More information
For details of all partnerships, see: 2008 Awards Finalists booklet (PDF - 362Kb)