Best Start Project Sites
There are a total of 30 Best Start project sites across Victoria. Six of these project sites work specifically with local Aboriginal communities.
For each of the Best Start sites you can see:
- The profile of the Local Government Area;
- Relevant Best Start Local Plans and Reports; and
- Contact details of the Best Start project site.
Find out more about:
Development of Best Start Project Sites
Best Start Phase 1
Phase 1 of Best Start (2001-2002) focused on project design and development. The phase raised awareness for the interest and engagement of key government departments that impact on the lives of young children and their families.
Best Start Phase 2
Phase 2 (2002-2006) saw the implementation of 11 generic and two Aboriginal Best Start projects. These projects, originally due to be completed during 2006, have been extended. The mainstream projects were allocated $40,000 recurrently to maintain facilitation of the partnership, build local initiatives to fit strategically into the wider early years plans.
The Best Start evaluation commenced in Phase 2, providing support and important information to project partnerships and government about 'what is being tried, what is working and for whom'. Reports from the Best Start evaluation will be available to inform the current projects.
Best Start Phase 3
Phase 3 (2005-2009) is an opportunity for Best Start to translate and apply the learnings gained from the demonstration sites to the new sites. In addition, new directions of the Office for Children will continue to inform project development. Phase 3 has seen the creation of 13 new generic Best Start project sites, four new Aboriginal Best Start projects and the extension of the existing mainstream and Aboriginal Best Start projects.