Disappointed but Determined: No Funding for By Five

The Wimmera community is deeply disappointed that the Victorian State Government has chosen not to invest in completing the crucial work we've begun to give our rural children the best possible start in life.

Children in our region are 40% more likely to start school developmentally behind. This is not just a statistic — it's a stark reminder of a growing inequity that demands urgent action. If you ranked every state and territory in Australia by early childhood development outcomes, the Wimmera would come second only to the Northern Territory – for all the wrong reasons.

While we acknowledge recent state investments in increasing kindergarten hours and some infrastructure projects, these measures alone don’t go far enough. The challenges we face are more complex, and we have the local knowledge and proven community-driven solutions to address them — solutions our residents have told us they value and need.

Our team, our partners, and our broader community are united and unwavering in our commitment to our children. We will continue to fight for the support, investment, and recognition that the Wimmera’s children, families, and future so clearly deserve.