The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments and the Investment Dialogue for Australia's Children (IDAC) are partnering to deliver a new Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby, Western Australia.
The Albanese Government will invest $9 million through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to build the new Derby Early Learning and Family Centre, with the WA Government and Minderoo Foundation investing $11.4 million in funding through the Early Years Partnership.
This marks the first IDAC project to receive funding through the Building Early Education Fund, which is building more quality not-for-profit early education centres where Australian families need them most.
The Derby Early Learning and Family Centre will be an early learning hub with 30 (growing to 48) early childhood education and care places and 30 (growing to 35) after-school care places for families in Derby, Mowanjum, and Pandanus Park.
The service is expected to open in 2029 and will be owned and run by Ngunga Group Womens Aboriginal Corporation.
It will provide culturally safe early childhood education for First Nations children to foster children's emotional and social development and encourage school readiness.
It will also offer early learning services, playgroups, after-school care, school holiday activities, occasional care (creche), family workshops, seminars, support, and training in two buildings on one site to create an early childhood hub.
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.
This partnership 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.
This service is also one of 24 priority projects funded through the Early Years Partnership, which is a unique 10-year collaboration between the Cook Labor Government, Minderoo Foundation, and the communities of Derby, Armadale West, Bidyadanga, and Central Great Southern.
The EYP aims to improve the development, health and learning outcomes of children aged 0-4 years across the partner communities.
It builds on several projects that have been delivered under the EYP across the four partner communities, including the delivery of a four-wheel drive bus for the community of Pandanus Park, supporting children and families to access early learning and health appointments.
Comments attributed to Federal Early Childhood Minister Senator Dr Jess Walsh:
"Quality early learning delivered in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations builds strong connections, confidence and belonging for children through the early years and beyond.
"We're proud to partner with Ngunga women and families, alongside the Cook Government and Minderoo, with support from the Albanese Government's $1 billion Building Early Education Fund.
"Led by the Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation, this project will give children the best possible start in life and invest in the long-term future of the Derby community.
"This is the first IDAC project to receive funding through the Building Early Education Fund and is a great example of governments working alongside the community and philanthropy to benefit families and children."
Comments attributed to 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.
"As Minister for Early Childhood, I know families will benefit hugely from having one location at which they can access a range of coordinated family and child services.
"This is another fantastic example of what can be achieved through the Early Years Partnership, by enabling communities to lead their own development based on their unique needs.
"This Early Learning and Family Centre will have a significant impact on the Derby community."
Comments attributed to Nicola Forrest AO:
"This Centre has been driven by the vision, leadership and determination of Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation, and represents a shining example of what's possible when communities lead solutions for their children and families.
"Improving the early years is at the core of Minderoo Foundation's strategy to empower Australian families and communities through place-based programs, and we're proud to stand alongside Ngunga, the State and Commonwealth governments, to help bring this important project to life for Derby and surrounding communities.
"Government plays a critical role in supporting children and families, but it can't do this work alone. Philanthropy has the flexibility to partner early, back innovation and listen closely to communities, helping address disadvantage in the early years before it becomes entrenched.
"Together, we can create more responsive, locally led solutions that give every child the best possible start to life."
Comments attributed to Simon Factor, Executive Convenor of IDAC:
"This is a community-led project through and through.
"It reflects how local priorities can be realised when collaboration and aligned investment create the conditions for delivery.
"It is inspiring to see how funders and policy makers have galvanised around such an important initiative to realise the dreams of community and change the life trajectories of children and families.
"This marks the first site under the historic $100 million IDAC co-investment and helps pave the way for a more integrated approach to early childhood infrastructure investment beyond this project."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This is a huge win for the Derby community, giving families a local option for quality early learning and care.
"What matters is that this service will be culturally safe and community-led, ensuring the best outcomes are delivered for Kimberley children and families.
"I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact this facility has on the community."
