In state and territory news...
ACT
Minister for Families and Community Services Rachel Stephen-Smith launched Next Steps for our Kids 2022-2030: ACT Strategy to Strengthen Families and Keep Children and Young People Safe.
Five ACT public primary schools partnered with the University of Canberra for a special study to understand the benefits of physical education throughout children’s lives. Learn more.
The new Early Learning Connection program supports women in the ACT and the Capital Region who want to start a career in early childhood education or take the next step in their career. Applications close Friday 24 June. Apply online here.
NSW
The NSW Government has announced investment of $1.4 billion over four years to make preschools more affordable and another $376.5 million towards the Brighter Beginnings initiative to support the health and development of the state’s children.
The NSW Government has committed to an investment of up to $5 billion over the next decade to improve access to high-quality, affordable early childhood education and care. Details here.
The NSW Government has announced a $281.6 million workforce package in the 2022-23 NSW Budget, including higher education scholarships, VET scholarships and employer supplements for staff retention. Read more.
The NSW Government has announced an overhaul of the paid parental leave scheme to encourage sharing of caring responsibilities. Both parents will now be entitled to at least 14 weeks’ paid parental leave, along with an additional two weeks ‘bonus leave’ for some. Details here.
The NSW Government has announced access to on-site extended early childhood education and care settings for essential health workers at Westmead, Bankstown-Lidcombe, Shellharbour and Shoalhaven hospitals. Read more.
Early childhood settings and schools can now apply for the 2022 Canon Oceania Grants Program. Each grant recipient will receive $5,000 worth of cash and Canon products, including cameras, printers, projectors and accessories. Apply here.
The NSW Government is calling for expressions of interest to join a new online register of student wellbeing programs, which will enable NSW public schools to confidently select quality-assured programs that support student wellbeing. Read the article here.
NT
Nominations are now open for Teaching in the Territory Excellence Awards, which recognise the contribution of staff in providing quality education in Northern Territory Government schools.
SA
South Australian families with children in primary school can now access a $100 discount off their school’s materials and services charge, as confirmed in the State Budget. More details here.
The SA Education Standards Board is seeking applications to fill a vacancy on the Board, which works to improve the education and care outcomes for children and young people. More information here.
TAS
The Tasmanian Government unveils the progress report on its Strong Families Safe Kids Next Steps Action Plan 2021-23 initiative, aimed at delivering better outcomes and improved safety and wellbeing for children, young people and families. The report outlines key achievements from the first year of the program.
The Tasmanian Government Department of Education released its seventh annual Key Data Report, which outlines the state’s information on student enrolments, attendance, funding allocations, staff and student wellbeing rates, assistance schemes, educator workforce and Libraries Tasmania.
VIC
Local government councils or eligible not-for-profit organisations can apply for a grant of up to $1,000 to contribute to the cost of hosting a Children’s Week activity. Apply now.
The Victorian Government is seeking submissions to engage a service provider to design and deliver a new online parenting program to support families and children with emerging mental health and wellbeing needs. The program will be targeted at families of children from birth to 11 years old. Details here.
The Victorian Government has announced grants under its Building Blocks: Capacity Building and Inclusion streams to provide funding for creating additional kindergarten places and upgrade early childhood buildings and facilities to provide safe and inclusive environments for children of all needs and abilities.
