- Cook Labor Government, alongside the Minderoo Foundation, commits to funding of $10.45 million through Early Years Partnership
- Investment will deliver 14 new projects across four communities in Armadale West, Central Great Southern, Derby and Bidyadanga
- The Early Years Partnership is a 10-year collaboration between the State Government and the Minderoo Foundation
The Cook Labor Government and Minderoo Foundation have committed $10.45 million to the Early Years Partnership (EYP) for a range of projects that are critical to improving children's wellbeing and school readiness in four communities across Western Australia.
The EYP is a unique 10-year collaboration between the Cook Labor Government, the Minderoo Foundation and four communities of Derby, Armadale West, Bidyadanga, and Central Great Southern.
The funding, which includes $5 million set aside in the 2026-27 State Budget, plus $5.45 million from the Minderoo Foundation, will deliver 14 additional community priority projects and boost investment in four existing projects across the four EYP communities.
This latest investment will fund a range of projects, including:
- new transport solutions in each of the four communities to support children and families access critical early learning activities and child development appointments;
- improved early years infrastructure in Mowanjum and Pandanus Park (Derby);
- additional boost to accommodation for visiting service providers in Bidyadanga;
- funding to improve dental and ear health outcomes in regional communities; and
- Armadale West Early Years Hub co-ordination funding.
The new funding builds on significant investment delivered into existing priority projects to deliver impactful child development and family wellbeing outcomes, including:
- a new $20.2 million Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby;
- culturally secure men's programs in Bidyadanga, Derby and Central Great Southern;
- Early Childhood and Family Centre upgrades in Bidyadanga; and
- community play and barbecue space upgrades in the Mowanjum community (Derby).
This new $10.45 million investment brings the total combined investment in EYP communities to over $45 million, supporting 38 projects across the four communities.
The EYP forms part of the Cook Labor Government's long-standing commitment to creating thriving communities and delivering quality infrastructure across Western Australia.
As stated by Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton:
"Ensuring all Western Australian families have access to high-quality early childhood education and care is a priority for the Cook Labor Government.
"This investment will ensure the Early Years Partnership continues to promote new ways of working to achieve great results for children, families and the wider community.
"The Early Years Partnership prioritises community-led decision-making to implement solutions that build upon the strengths of each community and address their unique challenges.
"The Cook Labor Government acknowledges the generous support of the Minderoo Foundation, as well as the local leadership and advocacy of the partner communities of Armadale West, Central Great Southern, Derby and Bidyadanga."
As stated by Nicola Forrest AO:
"Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, no matter where they live. Through the Early Years Partnership, Minderoo Foundation is backing communities to design and deliver solutions that reflect their strengths, priorities and aspirations for their children.
"Minderoo Foundation's latest investment in the EYP is about removing the barriers identified by communities - access to transport, services, or safe and supportive early learning environments - so their kids arrive at school healthy, confident and ready to learn.
"Minderoo Foundation is proud to continue working alongside the Cook Government and local leaders in our partner communities to demonstrate what works."
