Our Story
Our Vision
The Wimmera Southern Mallee is the best place to raise a child
Our Priorities
1. Equitable Access - Ensure all children and families have access to services and supports they need
2. Service Quality – Commit to maintaining and strengthening service quality
3. Optimise Investments - Use resources wisely by building on local assets and adding value
4. Demonstrate Impact - Track and share evidence of our collective impact including what’s important to children and families
Our Approach
1. Evidence & Insights: Combine research, community knowledge, and partner insights to understand the early years environment and identify opportunities for improvement
2. Collaborate & Innovate: Work collectively to test and refine new approaches, learning what supports and challenges sustainability
3. Connect & Elevate: Elevate local priorities by connecting with other communities facing similar challenges, building collective strength for change
4. Drive Sustainable Impact: Move beyond short-term projects, working across systems and sectors to embed solutions and advocate for rurally responsive policy
5. Harness Potential: Partner with communities to unlock strengths and explore innovative ways to realise our region’s full potential
Our Principles
Children and Families First
We place children and families at the centre of every decision, respecting culture and the diversity of families, regardless of where they live
Act with integrity
We act with integrity and accountability to build trust with communities and partners
Stronger Together
We are stronger when we work together in unity and partnership
Our Purpose
We harness the collective strength of our partners and communities to secure a better future for our children
Our Focus
All children from conception to school transition
Parents, carers and families of children
Early Years Services that support children, families and carers
The communities of the WSM
Our Collaborators
Individuals, families and communities
Learning and research partners
Aboriginal community controlled organisations
Local, state and federal government
Healthcare, government, community, education and social care providers
WSM Regional Partnership
Our Outcome
By 2030, the percentage of developmentally vulnerable children in all LGAs across the WSM will be equal to or less than the Victorian average as per the Australian Early Development Census.
The By Five Strategic Plan 2026-2030 outlines the plan to improve the Australian Early Development Census outcomes of children in the Wimmera Southern Mallee.