On 16 January 2025, the Australian Government launched the 50th Connected Beginnings site in Kununurra, Western Australia.
This is a major milestone for the grants program, which helps Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children get the best start to life.
In 2021, the Australian Government committed $81.8 million to expand the program to 50 sites nationally by 2025.
Minister for Early Childhood Education the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP announced $2.4 million for Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation Limited to deliver the 50th site in Kununurra.
Minister Aly said:
“It is wonderful to launch the 50th Connected Beginnings site in Kununurra, providing wrap-around education and health support services to 600 local First Nations children.
"Connected Beginnings is delivering significant positive results for First Nations children right across the country, helping to Close the Gap by improving developmental outcomes.
"The new site completes the Connected Beginnings expansion six months ahead of schedule, this significant early milestone means more children can access more supports sooner.”
Nationally, the program supports about 24,800 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children across all 50 sites. The program has the potential to support up to 20% of all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children aged zero to 5.
Connected Beginnings is a community-owned and led initiative making a tangible difference in Closing the Gap in early childhood education.
The program is jointly funded by the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Aged Care. It’s delivered in partnership with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
Learn more about Connected Beginnings and explore all 50 sites.