The Greater Shepparton Best Start Alliance remains committed to improving outcomes for local children, following the release of the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) results.
Conducted nationally every three years, the AEDC provides vital insights into children's development prior to starting school, based on data collected during their first year of full-time education. The 2024 collection marks the sixth national dataset since the census began in 2009, measuring development across five key domains:
- Physical health and wellbeing
- Social competence
- Emotional maturity
- Language and cognitive skills
- Communication and general knowledge
Each local government area receives a community profile outlining how well children have been supported in their early years, prior to school, with results categorised as developmentally on track, at risk, or vulnerable.
The latest results for Greater Shepparton show that 34 per cent of children are considered developmentally vulnerable in one or more domains, an increase from the previous census in 2021. Notably, there has been a rise in vulnerability in the areas of social competence and emotional maturity, reflecting broader state and national trends.
This shift underscores the ongoing impact of challenges faced by the community since 2021, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 2022 flood event, and rising cost-of-living pressures.
Belinda Whitelaw, Best Start Alliance, said the results reinforce the need for a coordinated, community-wide response.
"We know the early years are critical to lifelong wellbeing, and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure every child in Greater Shepparton has the opportunity to thrive. The AEDC data will help guide strategic planning and strengthen collective efforts to support children and families," she said.
The Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Alliance, comprising CEOs and senior managers from key organisations across the region, will use the AEDC data to inform an updated Early Years Plan. This plan will guide collaborative action to improve developmental outcomes and ensure services are responsive to community needs.
