The Albanese and Malinauskas Labor Governments, together with Minderoo Foundation and the Investment Dialogue for Australia's Children (IDAC), are partnering to deliver a new integrated early years hub for families and children across Adelaide's northern suburbs.
The Northern Area Community and Youth Services (NACYS) Child Care Centre, in Davoren Park, will expand and provide additional health, wellbeing and early education services in one location to support children who need it most.
It is the second IDAC project to receive Commonwealth funding through the Albanese Government's $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, which increases access to high-quality, not-for-profit early childhood education and care in areas of greatest need.
The Albanese Government will contribute $5.5 million, alongside $7.8 million from the Malinauskas Government and $3 million from Minderoo Foundation.
The new $16.3 million centre will be constructed, owned and operated by NACYS, a community-based not-for-profit delivering long day care and community services.
Capacity will increase to 100 early childhood education and care places - creating 45 extra places - with the new site to be co-located at Swallowcliffe School P-6.
Additional facilities, including a community room, consulting rooms and meeting spaces, will support improved integrated service delivery.
The new integrated hub - which will offer an expanded preschool program of up to 30 hours per week - is expected to open in early 2029.
This hub is part of the Albanese Government's historic $100 million partnership with IDAC to build supply and capacity of integrated early years services.
The Malinauskas Government will establish 20 integrated hubs across South Australia by 2032 - a key part of the state's $1.9 billion commitment to early childhood reforms.
The partnership with IDAC is one of the biggest co-investments between government and philanthropy in Australian history and brings together early learning, child and maternal health services with family and community supports.
The project is supported by ongoing community engagement through the place-based Children in the North Alliance; a 10-year partnership between Minderoo, the Malinauskas Government and local community representatives.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, Senator the Hon Dr Jess Walsh:
"We're building more quality not-for-profit services where families need them most.
"That's why we're proud to partner with the Malinauskas Government and IDAC to deliver this new hub for Davoren Park families.
"This is a great example of working with the local community and listening to what they need.
"These much-needed extra places will mean greater access to early learning for local families and give children a great start in life.
"And co-locating the service with Swallowcliffe School will help children transition to school and give families a one-stop drop."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Lucy Hood:
"We've seen how the integrated hubs model is helping South Australian families access the services they need under one roof.
"Expanding this support in Adelaide's north is another significant step in improving learning and development outcomes to set all kids up for the best start in life.
"NACYS has been part of the northern Adelaide community for decades and we are pleased to stand with federal and philanthropic partners to help this local organisation continue to grow."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Spence, Matt Burnell MP:
"Having early learning, health and family support available in the one place will make it easier for families to access the help they need and give their kids a strong start to their education.
"NACYS has served the North well for many years, and I am pleased to see it leading a project that will support young minds and help to create brighter futures for local kids."
Quotes attributable to Minderoo Foundation CEO, John Hartman:
"Investing in early childhood is crucial to ensuring every child and family is supported with fair access to high-quality facilities.
"Establishing this Integrated Hub in Davoren Park is a great example of what can be done when government and philanthropy work together with local leaders through a place-based approach to ensure children, families and communities have the support they need to thrive."
Quotes attributable to Executive Convenor of IDAC, Simon Factor:
"The Investment Dialogue for Australia's Children (IDAC) has reached another important milestone with the approval of the second Building Early Education Fund (BEEF) site at Davoren Park in Adelaide's North.
"This project shows what is possible when governments, philanthropy and communities work together around a shared goal. By combining investment with trusted local leadership, we're creating the conditions for children and families to access the support they need from the earliest years."
Quotes attributable to NACYS CEO, Claire Taylor:
"We are excited to be part of this announcement. More than a new facility, the Integrated Hub will be an anchor point for the whole community - expanding access to high-quality early education and care right where families need it.
"Children's earliest years matter, and this Hub will ensure more local children get the strong start they deserve, surrounded by the supports their families need to thrive. It also represents an important contribution to the shared aims of Children in the North. We look forward to seeing its doors open."
