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February 2026
Local support for healthy child development
The Centre welcomes the release of the Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report. It is heartening to see the focus on child and family-centred support and a systems approach to delivering the right support, at the right time, without barriers. It echoes the evidence-based proportionate universalism approach supported the Centre.
Congratulations to the Thriving Kids Advisory Group. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform lives and create more equitable outcomes for children and families.
Prof Sharon Goldfeld AM, Director, Centre for Community Child Health.
Browse our dedicated resource page for policy submissions, research and practice guides from across the Centre supporting the implementation of Thriving Kids.
This edition features:
- a research snapshot from the Centre's Child Deafness and Hearing Research Program on how to better support children with mild and one-sided hearing loss
- the latest research from Changing Children's Chances, using population-level linked data to show how disadvantage is unevenly distributed and often compounded across childhood (paper is available for free download until 14 February!)
- reflections from a workshop for early years specialists on using the Voice of the Child toolkit
- a series of videos highlighting the impact of the Mental Health in Primary Schools (MHiPS) initiative as it expands across Victoria.
Date: Tuesday 24 March
Time: 12:30pm-1:30pm AEDT
Cost: Free
Evidence to action: strengthening children's development
This AEDC webinar will focus on how responding to children’s needs can give them a strong start, and explore how to support children with developmental concerns, delay or disability.
My voice matters
The National Child and Family Hubs Network worked with Korayan Birralee Family Centre on an artwork project to better understand children’s thoughts on their Hubs. Read more.
The Centre's 2025 Impact Report
Our inaugural impact report, 'Every Child Thrives', spotlights a series of case studies that illustrate the Centre’s efforts in 2025 to improve equitable outcomes for children. Read more.
World Hearing Day on 3 March
The 2026 theme focuses on ensuring hearing care reaches every child from communities to classrooms. The Centre’s Child Deafness and Hearing Research Program is working to make this vision a reality in Australia. Read more.
Closing the equity gap within a generation: reality or fantasy?
Prof Sharon Goldfeld AM presented at the Global Access Partners Intergenerational Summit. Read a summary of her presentation.
Early Childhood Australia Conference Presentation 2025
RSTO and Gowrie Victoria shared how data‑informed decisions can support equitable delivery of early childhood education and care. Watch the recording.
Changing Children’s Chances (CCC) selected for AI pilot
As part of the Melbourne Medical School’s AI Co-Scientist Pilot Program, the CCC team will use AI to measure early childhood disadvantage using publicly available data. Read more.
MHiPS in action
A new series of videos highlight the impact of the MHiPS initiative as it expands across Victoria. See how MHiPS is being successfully implemented in a diverse range of school settings. Watch here.
GenV Toddler Food Survey findings
New data from the GenV Food Survey is helping policymakers better understand what toddlers are eating - and why clearer food standards are needed. Read more.
How mild and one-sided hearing loss affects children’s language development and wellbeing
Improved technology is identifying children with mild and one-sided hearing loss earlier than ever. What does this mean for children’s spoken language and wellbeing? Read more.
The 'Unlearning' Curve
This report shares reflections from the Centre's learning partnership with By Five. It offers insights into how trust, humility and adaptive learning shape systems change in rural and remote early years contexts. Read more.
'Children want to be heard'
Yarra Ranges Best Start and Upper Yarra Partnership invited Rachel Parker, Voice of the Child Foundations Lead, to conduct a workshop on the Voice of the Child Toolkit. Read more.
New videos upskilling parents
Raising Children Network has launched a series of new videos. They give Australian parents and carers quick and entertaining ways to get trusted answers to common parenting questions. Watch now.
In conversation with Dr Anna Price
Playgroup Victoria sat down with Dr Anna Price to learn about her ongoing work to improve outcomes for those bringing up the next generation of children. Read more.
Don't wait for our newsletter for updates from across the Centre!
What is Thriving Kids?
7 February, ABC Insiders on Background.
More GPs will be able to diagnose and treat ADHD – and experts say it’s a positive step.
5 February, The Conversation.
The doctor who'd put RCH out of business.
27 December, The Herald Sun.
Strengthening Care for Children (SC4C), an Integrated Paediatrician‒General Practitioner Model for Reducing Hospital Referral Rates. Dec. 2025, Medical Journal of Australia.
Upcoming course dates
- Reflective Practice. 16, 23 & 30 March 2026 Online Register
- Engaging Families. 17 & 24 March 2026 Online Register
- Difficult Conversations. 25 March & 1 April 2026 Online Register
- Working in Partnership with Families. 21 & 28 April 2026 Online Register
- Family Partnership Model Foundation Course. 19, 20, 26, 27 May & 23 June Hybrid Register
Ask us about our customised training options by emailing us at training.ccch@rch.org.au
2x Senior Project Officers - Restacking the Odds
Based in Western Australia.
Research Officer - Restacking the Odds
Based in Melbourne.
