The ECEC Workforce Group have been resolutely busy!

In 2024, we have revisited our baseline data, and also explored and consolidated new avenues of information and relevant local barriers and enablers to equitable access to quality childcare, providing a better understanding of the evolving story across the Wimmera Southern Mallee (WSM).

For the second year running, By Five have facilitated an additional opportunity for education professionals in the Horsham area to collaborate and support children who are transitioning from Kindergarten to Primary School in early 2025.

Our Friends of By Five group met for the final time this year to chat about childcare and early childhood education.

Helen Creed, the inaugural leader of the Rural Early Education & Development (REED) initiative, recently visited Horsham to share her team's innovative approach to addressing Early Childhood Education in rural communities like ours.

The Hon. Angie Bell, Federal shadow minister for Early Childhood Education, accompanied Hon Dr. Anne Webster on a visit to Hopetoun and Beulah where the dire childcare situation was once again highlighted as an issue for rural children, families and these vitally important towns.

On National Early Childhood Edcuators’ Day, we celebrate ECEC champions from across our region.

By Five are absolutely THRILLED with the Albanese Government's announcement that Early Childhood Educators will receive a well-deserved pay rise. This is not only a win for hardworking professionals and industry, but for families and communities that rely on their services.

Mat and Ange from the central office of the Department of Education Early years branch visited Jeparit and Rainbow schools to discuss the needs of children and families in accessing ECEC in their towns.

We are all eagerly awaiting the Federal Government’s response to the Productivity Commission report into Early Childhood Education and Care, specifically if our calls to have the ECEC system redesigned for rural communities have been heard.

By Five joined forces with our partners to create a walk through virtual Early Childhood Education & Care centre at the Western Victorian Careers Expo. Guests could enjoy a range of hands-on experiences that demonstrated how children learn through play and how interesting and enjoyable working in the early years space can be for professionals.

Last night, the By Five team, along with many educators, parents, and community leaders from remote, rural and regional areas across Australia, came together for the "Thrive by Five" online event. Our own Tammy Smith, CEO of Yarriambiack Shire, highlighted how the temporary closure of the Hopetoun centre has caused a ripple effect throughout the community.

Stay up to date on all things ECEC with an update on a busy few months for the team.

By Five along with our allies and partners came together from across the Wimmera, Loddon Campaspe and Mallee region to passionately articulate the challenges our small rural communities face when it comes to equitable ECEC to the Productivity Commission inquiry.

By Five are very excited that the Wimmera and North Central areas are being provided an opportunity to meet with the Productivity Commission into ECEC to discuss rural challenges and feedback on the draft report in March 2024.

Take note, tired parents and carers! Our community has services that can lend a helping hand. One fantastic resource is the good old local library and their engaging ‘Rhyme Time’ and 'Story Time' sessions.

By Five facilitated a trial handover session with some our Horsham kindergartens and Primary Schools at Federation University. A group of enthusiastic staff gathered together for a quick cuppa and then spent some time in a professional handover session.

In late October, By Five along with our friends at the North Central LLEN, hosted an ECEC for Rural Communities Roundtable in Warracknabeal to discuss the barriers around accessing equitable childcare in small rural communities.

Recently, By Five facilitated a Kinder to School transition discussion in Horsham with our local kindergarten and schools, and representatives from the Department of Education.

Being able to access childcare in rural communities, shouldn’t be about luck or viability.