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December 2023
Welcome to the National Child and Family Hubs Network, a network for those interested in making a difference for children and families by strengthening Child and Family Hubs.
This Child and Family Hubs newsletter aims to keep you updated on the latest evidence and policy related to Child and Family Hubs. We'll also share resources you can apply in your work and opportunities for you to get involved.
For those new to the Network, we are the only national, coordinated group dedicated to enhancing Child and Family Hubs across Australia. We unite leaders, service providers, policymakers, academics and professionals to advance research, advocacy and learning.
In doing so, we're helping to ensure children and families can access the supports and services they need to thrive all in one place and have a safe place to meet other families and build essential social networks. Learn more about the Network.
2023 was a big and productive year for the Network. We:
- were officially launched by the Minister for Early Childhood Education, the Hon. Dr Anne Aly
- grew to over 800 members
- produced a submission to the National Early Years Strategy with evidence-based recommendations to strengthen Hubs
- successfully advocated for Hubs, with the Network receiving a mention in SA's Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care
- launched our website.
This newsletter edition introduces the Network, highlights our 2023 activities, features member insights and offers a suite of free resources—publications, webinars, videos and more.
Spotlight
Hub showcase: First Steps Count Child and Community Centre
Clare Brennan, Director of First Steps Count Child and Community Centre in Taree shares insights into the centre in a short interview, including 3 strategies to ensure that children and families feel welcomed and connected at their Hub. Read the Hub showcase
News
Minister Aly launches the National Network
The Minister for Early Childhood Education, the Hon. Dr Anne Aly, launched the Network at Karitane in Carramarr, Sydney in November.
Read about the launch
A vision for a better system
Our exciting panel explored how we can we strengthen Child and Family Hubs so that more children and families can have their needs met. Watch the recording
NEW website and video series
We launched a new look for the Network website and produced a series of videos profiling diverse Hub settings. View the resources
National Early Years Strategy
The Network contributed a submission to the National Early Years Strategy ‘Integrated Child and Family Hubs: A Plan for Australia.’ View the submission
Help shape the draft Early Years Strategy
The Australian Government has released a draft Early Years Strategy. Have your say via a survey. Complete the survey
Using data for improvement
The Australian Child and Youth Atlas platform can help you identify data relevant to your local community and inform your work with Hubs. View the Atlas
Feature publications
- Child and family hubs: an important 'front door' for equitable support for families across Australia, National Child and Family Hubs Network, Feb 2023.
- Happy, Healthy and thriving children: enhancing the impact of integrated Child and Family Centres in Australia, Social Ventures Australia, May 2023.
Exploring need and funding models for a national approach to integrated child and family centres, Social Ventures Australia & Centre for Community Child Health, Aug 2023.
The National Child & Family Hubs Network is a multidisciplinary group that brings together Australian universities, research centres, medical research institutes, community organisations, all levels of government, service providers and professionals.
In partnership with:
