LOCAL GOVERNMENT & EARLY YEARS NETWORKS Working in Partnership Resource FOREWORD

Research into child development overwhelmingly supports the view that focusing on early childhood health and wellbeing leads to positive outcomes as children grow older, as well as reduced economic costs to governments and families.

Local Government is the closest sphere of Local Governments working together with government to the community and therefore Early Years Networks can be powerful allies has enormous potential to influence a in creating environments in which children in community that values and supports children in their early years can thrive through coordinated the early years and their families. approaches to planning, delivery and review of Local Governments play an essential role across services and supports within local communities. a range of areas that can improve the health The development of this resource was made and wellbeing of young children including Early possible by the WACOSS Connecting Early Childhood Education and Care services; being Years Network Support Project1, working in the largest provider of venues for parent-led partnership with the Department of Local playgroups; supported playgroups; children’s Government and Communities (DLGC); The health and safety; children’s recreation and West Australian Local Government Association public spaces; library services and planning. (WALGA) and Local Government Professionals. Early Years Networks (EYNs) are voluntary We also acknowledge the generous support of community groups which may be comprised staff from the Cities of Rockingham, Wanneroo of allied health professionals, such as speech, and Gosnells, the Department of Education, the occupational and physiotherapists, early State Library of and Early Years education and care staff, parents, teachers, Network members across the State of Western librarians, nurses, community members, Australia. This resource is available online and in print. The online version is local government employees, and a range of The Community Development Roundtable available on the Connecting Early Years Networks Portal at other community stakeholders, committed members urge you to draw on this resource. eyn.dropin.org.au and on the following websites: to supporting children and their families in It provides valuable information for Local the early years. The strengths of Early Years Governments and Early Years Networks about Networks lie in the member’s commitment how to improve outcomes for young children in Local Government Professionals - Community Development Network: to the philosophy of collaboration and their your community. http://www.lgprofessionalswa.org.au/Lgmawa/Branches___Networks/WA_Networks/Community_ wealth of collective early years and community Development_Network/Lgmawa/Branches___Networks/Networks/Community_Development_ knowledge. Network.aspx?hkey=eecafdc2-c773-476d-a4c5-f6ca7e13d883 Department of Local Government and Communities - Local Government and Early Years Networks Working in Partnership: https://www.dlgc.wa.gov.au/AdviceSupport/Pages/Early-Years-and-Parenting.aspx Louise Giolitto Ricky Burges Jennifer Mathews Warren Pearce Western Australian Local Government Authority - Early Years: CEO - WACOSS CEO - WALGA Director General - DLGC CEO - Local Government http://walga.asn.au/Policy-Advice-and-Advocacy/Community-Development.aspx Professionals

The printed version is available from WACOSS by contacting [email protected] 1 The Connecting Early Years Networks Support Project is funded by Lotterywest and was previously funded by Woodside. We wish to acknowledge the important contribution this funding has made to the development of this initiative. 1 Working in Partnership Resource Working in Partnership Resource

The Purpose of This Resource

This resource has been developed to provide practical information, tools and resources to support partnerships between Local Governments and Early Years Networks to achieve positive outcomes for children and families in local communities. This resource promotes collaboration by: • Early Years Networks becoming familiar with Local Government decision making processes and how Local Governments support services and communities. • Local Governments: Understanding the importance of investment in children in the early years; Becoming familiar with the role of an Early Years Network; Partnering with and providing support to Early Years Networks in their area. The Importance of Investment in the Early Years

Research demonstrates that what happens schooling are likely to continue a life trajectory from conception to age three influences a of poor life outcomes. Early intervention is WA Early Years Population person’s development throughout their life. the most cost effective and effective way to This includes brain development, social skills deal with disadvantage. Every dollar invested Profile 0-9 years and the ability to learn. By the age of three in quality early childhood development for years, a child’s brain has reached 90% of its disadvantaged children produces a 7%-10% A WA Early Years Population Profile for children for the WA Early Years Population Profile 0-9 adult size with research indicating that brain 2 return, per child, per year . aged zero to nine years has been developed years’. There are two interactive maps available, sensitivity to language, numeracy, social skills Child development is influenced by many by the Department of Local Government and a Single Map View and a Double Map View. and emotional control peaking before the age factors, from the family environment and Communities as a resource to provide Early These can be used as a mapping and data of four. The early years lay down the child’s community, to wider influences such Years Networks and Local Governments with analysis / visualisation tool. foundation for later life. Improving children’s as government policies, environmental evidence-based information about children development for this critical period can have Single Map View conditions and broader social norms, beliefs living in their communities. a transformative social and economic effect. and attitudes. Local Governments and Early Single Map View is considered more suitable The quality of a child’s earliest environments These interactive maps provide accurate and Years Networks are well placed to ensure for analysing data for one location or for and the availability of appropriate experiences up to date demographic information about local communities are nurturing, safe and exploring data for multiple locations at a at specific stages of development are crucial children. The maps with a quick start guide can supported, where children can grow to reach specific point in time. in shaping developmental outcomes. be found by clicking here. their full potential. Longitudinal data from international Double Map View studies demonstrate that children who are For further information on the importance of Interactive Maps Double Map View for comparing data and developmentally vulnerable at the start of their investment in the early years and its long term trends for one or more locations. benefits click here. To access information about the number of children in the early years in your local area scroll down to the section ‘Interactive Maps

2 The Ounce of Prevention Fund 2017

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general function to provide for the good What are government of people in their district. These wide powers mean Local Governments have the Early Years Networks? authority to provide community development and community services, including facilities, as Early Years Networks support children aged 6. Strengthen community understanding long as they do not inappropriately duplicate 0 to 8 years and have existed in Western about the importance of the early years. services provided by others. Australia since 2003. In January 2017, there 7. Promote early years’ initiatives to the Local Governments have a vital role in our were approximately 50 active Early Years community, for example Children’s Week communities including the provision of public Networks across Western Australia. Early Years and parenting workshops. spaces and community facilities, planning Networks play an important role in developing well-designed communities, providing services and implementing initiatives, services and 8. Form smaller working groups of members targeting social issues and building stronger activities aimed at improving outcomes for to run the early years network’s activities/ community ties through events and community young children and families. They do this by events as detailed in an action plan. engagement. connecting across local communities and 9. Invite guest speakers and presenters to working collaboratively. Early Years Networks meetings to introduce or develop ideas, The services provided by Local Governments provide a strong platform to engage with key programs or topics relevant to the Early generally fall into three categories: stakeholders across organisations; increase Years Network. Services to people and the community opportunities to coordinate policies and programs; and respond to evidenced based If you want to contact the Early Years Network Community services and family and information about children living in their in your community visit the CEYNSP portal or neighbourhood support; Early Years Networks; community through the use of tools such as the email the CEYNSP team at WACOSS via eyn@ recreation, arts and culture; maintaining Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). wacoss.org.au. sporting grounds, reserves, parks and gardens; provision of public libraries; seniors’ services Each Network is unique, with its own culture and childcare services. and set of practices based on its members and the needs of the community. Services to property Roads and footpaths; land drainage and Early Years Networks provide opportunities to: Broome – development; sewage disposal (in some 1. Share knowledge and experiences country areas); refuse disposal and recycling collectively to improve communities for What are Local services; litter control; street lighting and children and their families. underground power; street cleaning; and 2. Engage members to discuss emerging early Governments and their Emergency Management Services. years issues across their community and Regulatory services advocate solutions to decision makers. Role within Communities? Exercise control to enforce legislation covering 3. Gain insights and perspectives from There are 139 Local Governments or Councils in health, buildings, signs, goods, litter, planning, community representatives to understand Western Australia of which 30 are metropolitan parking, fire and traffic hazards. what may be influencing early childhood and 109 are regional. development. The type and nature of services delivered by 4. Explore the AEDC results together with Local Governments varies. Western Australia’s other information to understand community growing population has increased the demand strengths and areas for improvement in for a wide range of services in all areas of the supporting children’s development. State. 5. Foster a variety of short and long term Under the Local Government Act 1995, Local community initiatives to improve local Governments in Western Australia have a conditions for children and families.

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Why is it Important for Local Governments and Early 1. Building Partnerships and Working Collaboratively Years Networks to Partner? 1.1 What Can Early Years Networks Do to Build Partnerships?

By working effectively with Early Years Networks, The benefits of effective partnerships between Establishing positive working relationships successes or challenges of the Early Years Local Governments obtain access to input from Local Governments and Early Years Networks with Local Government is critical to effective, Network during the year. key stakeholders and to alternative service flow on to communities by improving access ongoing engagement and the development delivery models for consideration, including to streamlined support and services by 5. Establishing a standing meeting with the of partnerships which help sustain Early Years CEO and Community Development Manger services that could be co-delivered (for example, encouraging community ownership and Networks and improve their effectiveness. by pooling resources). Such collaboration participation. every quarter. facilitates more informed decision making, Strong communication is vital between Early 6. Actively engage with Local Government Early Years Networks and Local Governments Years Networks and Local Governments improved policy and program development and can make use of a range of options to work decision-making processes, the deadline increased engagement with community sector if the issues, concerns and suggestions of for information and the time required for together including understanding each Network members are to be heard by those organisations. This enables the development other’s priorities, the challenges faced by decisions to be made. of policy and programs that build community who have the capacity to influence change their communities, the social, economic and When planning how you will establish resilience with a focus on achieving community and to make a difference for children in environmental conditions in a community and a working partnership with your Local outcomes, which in turn achieves improved the early years. Members of Early Years what services currently exist. Government, factors to consider are: outcomes for young children and their families. Networks know what the important issues, challenges and opportunities are in their 1. Clearly articulating what it is that your Early communities and are well placed to clearly and Years Network wants and setting out your How Can Local Governments and Early Years consistently communicate those issues to Local objectives in the short-and-longer-term. Government. 2. Goals need to be important and relevant; Networks Partner? Many Local Governments employ Community describe why you want/need and clearly Development Managers who may have diverse demonstrate why achieving a goal will add responsibilities such as children and youth value in the community. There are a number of ways in which Early Years services, seniors, sport and recreation, libraries 3. Is the goal consistent with your Early Years Networks and Local Governments can work and community events. Sometimes a single Network Action Plan? together to improve the wellbeing of children in staff member has responsibility for community the early years including: service provision or community development. 4. Is the goal consistent with your Local A targeted approach by Early Years Network Government’s Community Strategic Plan? 1. Building partnerships and working and what the strategic plan aims to achieve collaboratively; members to Local Government by identifying the key contact person opens opportunities for children in the early years in your 2. Ensuring decision making is informed; for Early Years Networks to build connections, community. 3. Examining the Australian Early Years partnerships and relationships. Some practical 5. Understanding the budget cycle. Development Census results; examples to assist in building connections 6. Be proactive and consistent in your 4. Capitalising on local libraries. include: communication. 1. Sending a personal invitation to the 7. Prepare quality material with easily CEO, Shire President and Councillors to digestible facts demonstrating research on your events and/or Early Years Network the importance of investment in children meetings. during their early years. 2. Ensuring they receive your newsletters. 8. Share success stories illustrating the power 3. Inviting the editor and photographer of the Early Years Network within your of the local paper to all of your events community. and ensuring you include your Local To access the contact details for Local Government in the publicity. Governments across Western Australia click 4. Presenting to council once a year on the key here 6 7 Working in Partnership Resource Working in Partnership Resource

2. Ensuring Decision Making is Informed

Everyone benefits when there is a shared • Shape the focus of Early Years Networks understanding of how decision-making efforts into the future. processes work within Local Government. Local Governments have to review their Partnerships built on a good understanding strategic community plans and engage with and knowledge of Local Government roles the community at regular intervals. The reviews and responsibilities will be in a strong position are an important Local Government decision to engage with Local Government elected making process. members and staff as well as the community. Reviews of Strategic Community Plans by Every four years, Local Governments are each Local Government are required to be required to develop Strategic Community completed by June 30 2017. Consequently, Plans (CSP) in line with the Integrated Planning now is the time for Early Years Networks to have and Reporting (IPR) framework overseen by input into the review of these plans. the Department of Local Government and Communities. The plans purpose is to: In addition to the IPR process, Local 1.2 What Can Local Governments Do to Build Partnerships? Governments have other corporate and 1. Establish the community’s vision for the Local community plans that provide information Early Years Networks provide an important link emailing information, shaping agendas and Government’s future, including aspirations and on council priorities and activities. Early Years to the early years ‘community’ in which the keeping action registers. service delivery expectations; Networks can contact their Local Government Local Government operates. Through their 4. Supporting Early Years Networks with 1. Drive the development of Local Government or access the Local Government’s website for direct connection to community professionals access to venues and meetings places e.g. area/place/regional plans, resourcing and other more information. The plans may include age and local families, Early Years Networks are well for a venue to hold the network meeting informing strategies; friendly, children, family and youth, healthy placed to provide advice to Local Governments lifestyles, disability access and inclusion or a support staff member to facilitate the 2. Drive and inform all other Local Government and can act as a conduit for two-way and community infrastructure plans. Local meeting. planning. communication to inform policy, strategies and Governments may seek consultation and services. Early Years Networks can contribute 5. Inviting Early Years Networks to Council Each plan covers a 10-year timeframe and is feedback on the plans and this also presents to the development of community programs meetings once a year to present on the key developed in consultation with the community opportunities for Early Years Networks and by participating in planning processes or by successes or challenges of the Network through various methods of engagement Local Governments to partner together. responding to requests for feedback. during the year. and participation. Early Years Networks can Some Local Governments also have Early Years be involved in this process and work with Local Governments can build partnerships with 6. Ensuring Council’s website and Facebook Strategies. Examples of these can be found by the community and their Local Government Early Years Networks by: pages promote the work of the Early clicking on the links below. Years Network and encourage community to inform and help set future community 1. Becoming familiar with and drawing involvement in the Network. priorities. The City of Armadale Children and Families Strategy information from Early Years Networks 7. Offering network building opportunities By doing this, Early Years Networks will develop: Strategic Plans and/ or Early Years Networks The and events to develop further connections • A greater understanding of the Action Plans. Examples of Early Years with community members, other Children Family and Youth Policy Newtorks plans can be found in the communities involved, including how they community sector organisations and The Resource Kit for Starting and Sustaining an see themselves in the future and what they government agencies. Early Childhood Strategy Early Years Network. see as priorities for families with young 8. Providing leadership opportunities and children. The City of 2. Promoting funding rounds or access to other professional development training to • Develop a better understanding of what the Early Years Strategy community grants that support positive your local Early Years Network. community identifies as their strengths and community development outcomes such as 9. Ensuring Local Government is represented weaknesses and strategies for addressing a community playground. on local Early Years Networks. community needs. 3. Providing administrative support to Early 10. Identifying opportunities to pool resources Years Networks, for example support with to deliver efficient and effective community outcomes. 8 9 Working in Partnership Resource Working in Partnership Resource

3. The Value of the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) Using the AEDC

The Australian Early Development Census be improved or developed to provide children (AEDC) provides key data that can assist Local with safe and nurturing learning environments Our Children Government in demonstrating evidence to where they can thrive. Our Communities support their long term priorities. When used Under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Our Future alongside other community data, knowledge Framework and Guidelines, it is recommended and research the AEDC can also inform their Local Government outline their long-term planning and strategic direction. priorities supported by community input, Local Government The AEDC is a population measure of young performance data, demographic information Social Language and children’s health and development in and an outline of the social issues. The AEDC competence cognitive skills Use the AEDC is a reliable (school-based) communities across Australia. For further information please click here to confidently measure of child as a holistic Teachers complete the Early Development access the Local Government User Guide on development measure of child Physical across five Communication development in Instrument for children enrolled in their first how to respond to the AEDC data or contact heath and skills and general domains. wellbeing Emotional knowledge your community. year of full-time school (average age is five Gail Clark, WA AEDC Coordinator via gail.clark@ maturity years). As a population measure, the results are education.wa.edu.au

reported at the group level based on an AEDC omy, social, cult econ ural cy, fac oli ity and s tor community (equivalent to a local government P mun ervice s Use the AEDC The AEDC is a Com s and neighbo results to consider area) and local community (equivalent to a starting point ship urho Kin od for identifying nd ho how you can suburb or town) where the child lives. mily a useh the needs of Fa old contribute to The primary output of the results is through children in your better outcomes on-line community maps and profiles of early community. for children in your area. childhood development measured against five CHILD key areas:

• physical health and wellbeing, Families are not BARRIERS TO ACCESS: Examine solutions always able to to barriers to Working hours • social competence, access quality access for families services to support Knowing Transport residing in your • emotional maturity, their children’s about services Affordability local government • language and cognitive skills, development. area.

COMMUNITY ASSETS • communication skills and general knowledge. Examine how your AEDC is an SUPPORTING CHILDREN: early indicator Forward thinking local government Social capital area assets are of the future local councils are Libraries using the AEDC Parks These areas are closely linked to the predictors prosperity of your being used to in their strategic Community halls community. Bus services support child of good adult health, education and social plan. development. outcomes.

The AEDC results allow communities to see protective, supportive participation in how local children are doing compared relationships access/availability of community activities Monitor Local governments community services social skills independence improvements in to other children in their community, and play a key role in the AEDC results across Australia. The information can be used promoting early PROMOTE RESILIENCE THROUGH competent and over time in your child development. adequate family to understand what is working well in the breastfeeding stable care local government income and housing community. It can also highlight what needs to child and family-friendly area. high quality universal programmes public policies

Explore your community’s AEDC results at www.aedc.gov.au Explore your community’s AEDC results at www.aedc.gov.au

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4. Collaborating with Public Libraries

Public libraries are community assets in each Partnership between local libraries, Local Government area throughout the State. incorporating the Better Beginnings resources, Libraries are making a significant contribution Early Years Networks and Local Governments to supporting the development of literate can be a powerful tool for improving outcomes communities, and can serve as important for children in local communities. Contact your partners in raising awareness of the important local library about how they can contribute role played by parents and caregivers in a to the goals of your Early Years Network for child’s early literacy development and learning. children and their families in your community. Early Years Networks can collaborate with and involve their local library in their network and activities through initiatives such as the Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program that promotes a whole of community approach to family literacy. The State Library of Western Australia provides resources and ideas for parents and early years practitioners wanting to engage in quality early literacy activities in the home as well as in early years and community settings. All WA practitioners involved with the early years are welcome to create a login for the Better Beginnings website’s Practitioner’s Portal to gain access to the full range of resources available.

“When we dream alone, it’s just a dream. But when we dream together, it’s the beginning of reality.” Brazilian proverb

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Engaging with Multiple Local Contact Us

Governments Western Australian Council of Social Service Department of Local Government and Communities Depending on the project and the If your project could be applied across Early Connecting Early Years Networks Support Project Centre for Parenting Excellence geographical area represented, Early Years Years Networks, it may also be beneficial to Telephone: (08) 9420 7222 Networks and Local Governments often contact the Western Australia Council of Social Freecall: 1300 658 816 Telephone: (08) 6552 1453 partner across jurisdictions. An initiative that Service (WACOSS), Connecting Early Years Fax: (08) 9486 7966 can be rolled out across multiple locations Network Support Project to begin your initial Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] may require liaison or buy-in from several enquiries. Website: www.dlgc.wa.gov.au CEYNP Portal Local Governments and multiple Early Years EYN Resource Kit Networks. Local Governments in regional areas often work collaboratively through a regional group. For example, the Regional Council represents the five Local Governments State Library of Western Australia. Western Australian Local Government in the Pilbara to deliver better outcomes for the Better Beginnings Family Literacy Program Authority community and visitors to the region. Early Years Networks should identify whether a Telephone: (08) 9427 3130 Tel: (08) 9213 2000 regional organisation or similar already exists, Freecall: 1800 198 107 (Country only) Fax: (08) 9213 2077 as this may provide a forum for collaborating Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] with multiple Local Governments on projects Website: www.better-beginnings.com.au that may deliver regional benefits.

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Stories from the field: Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe and Walpole 2. Provision of meeting place but also encourage new families to move to 3. Provision of promotion for activities the area. Early Years Networks and Local Governments 4. Assistance from the Shire to host activities 2. Low AEDC scores 5. Free printing of brochures/posters/ flyers Working Together The AEDC helps measure how a community is performing and how well its young citizens 6. Members with designated time to devote Zig Zag Early Years Partnership (ZZEYP) Warren Blackwood Early Years Network are progressing to their full potential. The to the Network and the development of its and Shire of Kalamunda and Network was aware that evidence shows that activities it is far better to intervene early to prevent 7. Free transport to trainings/expos/workshops In 2015 an AEDC presentation was made In May 2009, a presentation of the AEDC data problems from occurring, or escalating, than by Local Government staff to all councillors for the Bridgetown and Manjimup areas was to try to address them once they have become 8. Development of an Early Childhood Strategy which generated considerable impact. In provided to service providers and community entrenched. for the Shire of Manjimup 2016 ZZEYP felt that greater support was members, outlining developmental 3. Low SEIFA scores 9. Assistance from the Shire to develop an Early required for the group and the CEO attended vulnerability across all domains of the AEDC Years Strategy for the Network a meeting, the main purpose of which was for the children in the Manjimup area. The SEIFA scores for the area have continued 10. Donations for events hosted by WBEYN to discuss the possibility of employing an At the initial meeting there was consensus to: to decline since the 2001 census and the Early Years Coordinator. The ZZEYP presented range of the SEIFA score has also increased a case for greater Local Government staff 1. Set up a formalised Network across the showing increasing inequity within the four Shires of Bridgetown/ Greenbushes, involvement. The CEO stressed the need community. The Shire is continually working Wanneroo and Surrounds Early Years Boyup Brook, Manjimup and Nannup; for the group to prepare rigorous strategic with the community to improve education Network (WASEY) and City of Wanneroo planning which could then be applied to the 2. Develop Terms of Reference using outcomes and seeking opportunities to local government’s systematic budget process. Rockingham and Bunbury Early Years enhance employment opportunities. The With the cooperation of well-experienced Network’s information as a guide; needs of the disadvantaged and at risk are now The City of Wanneroo is recognised as the ZZEYP members and Shire staff, this process 3. Invite Department of Child Protection staff an identified unmet need within the Warren fastest growing Local Government in Western was undertaken. In late 2016 the Youth Officer from Katanning or Albany; District. There has also been an identified was given the additional role of Early Years increase in the number of children who have Australia. The City has a population of 198,689 The Shire of Manjimup has been a key Coordinator for seven hours per week. The behavioural issues at schools. with nearly 17% being children between the stakeholder and driver of the WBEYN since ages of 0-11yrs. group then finalised its Strategic Plan and the its inception. The early years sits within the 4. Passion of the Community Development ZZEYP continues to benefit from the support The City has committed to providing support Community Development Department and is Team of the Youth Officer in coordinating the early to families and communities to ensure young an assigned portfolio. There are several factors Key staff who have worked within the Shire for children are given the best chance to learn, years services within the community whilst that have made the early years a priority for over 20 years saw the need for more support develop and achieve good mental and physical working alongside residents. the Shire including: in the early years. As well as being part of health. In order to achieve this, the City of the Early Years Network, staff chair with the Activities and events for 2017 are in the 1. Industry Changes within the Shire of Wanneroo developed their Early Childhood Education Visions Committee in Manjimup process of being planned and the group now Manjimup Strategy 2014 - 2016 to provide a framework to which comprises Principles of Manjimup has the benefit of secretariat support, free rent guide City actions. of a facility to conduct meetings, training and The Shire of Manjimup has needed to develop Schools, Health Department staff lead agencies assistance with planning events that promote new industries and assist in the transition from and community representatives. In recognition that it takes ‘a village to raise the area having a strong timber industry to a child,’ the City’s Early Childhood Strategy positive parent/child interactions. 2017 sees The benefits of the Local Government working growing and strengthening the horticultural, recognises the need for collaboration and ZZEYP well placed to be active within the local in partnership with the Warren-Blackwood community resulting in young children and agricultural and tourism industry sectors. This for actions to be community driven. As such has seen the Shire need to not only retain Early Years Network have been; their families being supported to reach their City officers engaged with the Wanneroo the population in the current four towns of 1. Secretariat support to the Network potential. and Surrounds Early Years Network (WASEY).

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WASEY is made up of service providers, Rockingham Early Years Network and Information gathered through the during ‘Growing Armadale’ was used to parents, teachers, Child and Parent Centre consultation of early year’s parents, carers and inform the City’s Strategic Community Plan representatives, Child and Adolescent Health service providers has been consolidated and 2016-2031. In recognition of the strong nurses, Telethon Kids Institute, The City of Rockingham is a coastal, has been used to inform the draft strategy. partnership between the City and AEYN, the Health Campus and early education and care metropolitan Local Government with a AEYN was engaged during the consultation staff. population of 134,719. Of the 134,719, 16% phase of the development of the Plan and The WASEY provided feedback and approved of the population is made up of children aged asked to provide feedback on the draft prior Armadale Early Years Network and City the City of Wanneroo’s Early Childhood 0-11years of age. to it being adopted by Council. Strategy 2014 -2016 as well as the City’s The City’s Community Development team of Armadale Early Childhood Policy. WASEY assisted with works closely with the community to identify the launch of the strategy and additional and address the needs of the Rockingham The City of Armadale has a population of members of the WASEY Network have created community as part of the City’s aspiration for a 87,437 with children 0-11years making up partnerships to achieve outcomes contained ‘Strong Community’. One valued community nearly 19% of the total population. The within it, such as the City’s ‘It’s all About Play’ group is the Rockingham Early Years Group Armadale community is comprised of large program. (REYG). REYG is a networking group of early numbers of families with dependent children. The City of Wanneroo is now evaluating their years’ service providers and professionals. In 2005, the area received ‘Communities for 2014 – 2016 Early Childhood Strategy and The partnership between the City and REYG Children’ funding to establish an early years working on developing a new strategy to works well as each party contributes through network in order to support Armadale families continue to guide the City into the future. either resources or professional ‘specialists’ and children. As a result, the Armadale Early WASEY’s feedback and support of the draft guidance. The City and REYG partnership has Years Network (AEYN) was established. The strategy is valued and will be sought when the created many outcomes for the community AEYN is a professional networking group new strategy is available for public comment. including: of representatives of early years’ service • Teddy Bear’s Picnic (TBP). TBP is an event providers. created to connect early years’ parents In April 2010, the City of Armadale’s Council and carers to service providers as well as endorsed their Children and Families Strategy creating a platform to engage early years’ 2010-2013. The strategy provided a broad parents, carers and service providers. framework to guide the City’s efforts in • Various parenting workshops some engaging and supporting their children and facilitated by high profile presenters such families. The City took a place focussed and as Maggie Dent and Clark Wight. partnership approach to identify and create The City is currently drafting a Children and opportunities that optimise the development Young People’s Strategy where children of children and support their families. As 0-11yrs will be consulted and included. As such, City officers engaged with members of part of the consultation phase of this strategy, the AEYN to assist in informing and endorsing REYG has been a vital conduit between the the strategy. Partnerships were then forged City and community (early years’ parents and through the network to ensure outcomes for carers). All REYG members liaised with the the community. City’s appointed consultant to assist with the In October 2015, The City commenced its mapping of early years’ services and a further largest community consultation initiative, four members were identified for a full in ‘Growing Armadale’. The information gathered depth interview.

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www.dropin.org.au Western Australian Council of Social Service WACOSS Freecall: 1300 658 816 City West Lotteries House Email: [email protected] 2 Delhi Street Twitter: @WACOSS West , WA 6005 www.wacoss.org.au Telephone: (08) 9420 7222

The Council’s Connecting Early Years Network Support Project has been supported by: