A stronger policy environment for children and families
The importance of place-based collaboration and reaching families where they are at is increasingly reflected in broader conversations about early childhood development and wellbeing.
During the recent Thriving Kids discussion, Village was specifically recognised as an example of collaborative, place-based work in Belconnen.
Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA referred to the initiative, saying:
“Initiatives like A Village for Every Child in Belconnen have been previously set up to try to address those issues and ensure that we’re reaching the children and families who might not necessarily engage….”
She went on to discuss the importance of reaching families who might not otherwise engage with services, meeting families where they are at, and the role of initiatives such as Village in achieving this.
She also specifically acknowledged the collaboration between the University of Canberra and Village, referring to evidence of positive impact on AEDC outcomes.
“…through things like the establishment of A Village for Every Child, in Belconnen, which has seen an impact.”
These comments are an encouraging recognition of the value of sustained local collaboration and the importance of connecting research, community knowledge and service delivery.
Congratulations to our new Deputy Chief Minister
We extend our congratulations to Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA on her appointment as ACT Deputy Chief Minister and her new responsibilities for Child Development and Wellbeing.
Following the ACT Government’s recent Cabinet restructuring, the new portfolio reflects a commitment to integrated services, early intervention and stronger support for parents and carers.
She has outlined her focus as
“Building a network of services that meet families where they’re at and sets all children up for the brightest possible future.”
This vision closely aligns with the work Village has been progressing across Belconnen.
We are excited about the prospect of working alongside Deputy Chief Minister and our government partners to help bring both federal and local government policy ambitions into practice.
Place-based initiatives such as Village provide an established platform through which policy priorities can connect with local knowledge, community relationships and the practical experiences of families and practitioners.
As the Thriving Kids initiative and CYFSP commissioning processes progress, we anticipate opportunities to strengthen collaboration, improve connections between services and further support families with young children.
Our focus will remain on ensuring that these developments build on the strengths of existing community partnerships and contribute to the shared goal of giving every child the best possible start to life.
Together, we are building something that lasts
The work of Village is not defined by individual meetings, events or projects alone. Its value lies in the relationships being built, the knowledge being shared, the barriers being identified and the collective capacity being strengthened across our community.
Every resource developed, every new partnership formed, every conversation with a family and every opportunity to learn together contributes to a broader effort to improve the systems surrounding children and families.
As we reflect on the past few months, we are grateful to our Leadership Group, Working Groups, community partners, families, presenters and supporters who continue to contribute their time, expertise and commitment.
It takes a Village to raise a child. Together, we are continuing to build one where every child has the opportunity to thrive.