Early years initiatives ticks boxes

Four playground renewals, family friendly business initiative expansion and return of children’s events were achieved across Baw Baw Shire in the past year.

The achievements were listed in a Municipal Early Years Plan progress report for 2022 endorsed at a recent council meeting.

However, a significant drop in Walk to School Day participation also was noted in the report.

The four-year plan, adopted in 2019, sets out a strategic direction for the development and coordination of early years programs, activities and facilities for children and their families.

An officer report listed the implementation of the “Paint the Town REaD” early literacy program and increased advocacy for breastfeeding spaces and toileting facilities for families as notable achievements.

It said council’s early years advisory committee had reviewed the progress report and concluded “this plan has been delivered under a unique set of circumstances”.

These included COVID restrictions, working from home, rapid population growth and the introduction of three-year-old kinder.

“Under these conditions, it is great to see all that was achieved in the past year,” the advisory group said. “While some projects have not proceeded as planned or expected, there are clear reasons given as to why this is so.”

A breakdown of the progress report shows playgroups returned to face-to-face service, with 224 families participating at 60 sessions. This was a 10 per cent participation increase.

Maternal and Child Health Services reported 5826 key ages and stages visits in 2022. This represented an increase of just under five per cent for the 18 month and 3.5 years visits, with 12-month visits increasing 20 per cent.

It also stated 23 new businesses had registered with the Family Friendly business initiative. There are now 24 breastfeeding spaces and 26 toilets for children across Baw Baw.

A caravan catering for baby changing and feeding was utilised during three events at Lardner Park. It was utilised by 42 families at two events plus 132 adults and 111 children during Farm World.

One of the few negatives listed was Walk to School Day participation being “significantly down”, with only three schools taking part.

The report said the state government’s “reduced focus” and poor weather had contributed. It noted one school had achieved 100 per cent student participation, and another had more than 150 children participate.

Endorsing the progress report, Cr Joe Gauci said he was proud of what the early years team was doing behind the scenes.

“When you look at all the things that were against them in that period of time, I think it’s fantastic,” Cr Gauci said.

Cr Danny Goss said it was an update and a new plan would come soon.

“Look great initiatives, great outcome, great report,” Cr Goss said.

Cr Tricia Jones acknowledged the officers and advisory committee for “successes that have occurred because of their careful and persistent work and effort.”

Cr Michael Leaney said it was a great update and thanked partners who were contributing to “making our community better” for our young people.

Cr Peter Kostos zeroed in on the lack of focus on Walk to School Week.

“I think the state government has taken its finger off the pulse a little bit,” Cr Kostos said.

Council is now in the process of developing a new Municipal Early Years Plan for 2024 to 2027.

It is currently undertaking consultation and is calling on all parents of children with addition needs to have their voice heard and contribute to this plan.

Feedback is sought by the end of May by emailing early.years@bawbawshire.vic.gov. au.

Local primary schools and kindergartens were recently consulted, with council speaking to children to find out what was important to them.