Young children living in the cities of Kwinana and Cockburn are set to benefit from a $1.4 million investment designed to improve their health and wellbeing.
Community Services Minister Simone McGurk has welcomed the renewed funding from Woodside Energy for the Connecting Community for Kids collective impact initiative in the cities of Kwinana and Cockburn, with the additional four years in funding bringing the total commitment to nine years.
Woodside has allocated an additional $1.4 million from the Woodside Development Fund to support the initiative, which is designed to improve early childhood development outcomes.
The project aims to improve the wellbeing and development of children and families. It involves collaboration between community members, non-government and government organisations.
Research shows that we need to focus on the early childhood years to help people to thrive later in life. There is strong evidence that a healthy and positive start to life can strengthen a child and help them to reach their full potential.
The Department of Communities has been involved with the Connecting Community for Kids initiative since its inception, and co-chairs the Joint Advisory Committee model to provide advice and engagement with government and funders in the delivery of the initiative.
The Joint Advisory Committee involves representation from across the community sector and government in an effort to increase collaboration and avoid duplication of services. The announcement coincides with the Kwinana Early Years Service recently agreeing to support the initiative.
The initiative is underpinned by a governance structure that places community members at the heart – they are the voice leading the initiative, and driving the design and implementation of its strategies.
Comments attributed to Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:
“Through extensive engagement, residents in the cities of Kwinana and Cockburn identified community priorities to support their children to thrive.
“Families are best placed to understand the needs of their children and communities, and how services and environments in their local area can better support their needs.
“Woodside Energy’s latest investment in this initiative is a testimony to its informed and collaborative approach – working directly with community members and service providers to achieve outcomes.
“Congratulations and thanks to the communities of Cockburn and Kwinana, Connecting Community for Kids initiative and Woodside Energy for their continued effort to improving outcomes for children and families.”
Perth, December 24, 2020