Early-years direction

THE SKY’S

THE LIMIT: Horsham Rural City Council’s youth and early years co-ordinator

Louise Kelly welcomes Millar Grimble to his first day of kindergarten at Kalkee Road

Children’s and Community Hub earlier this month.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER said living in the region was far from her mind as a teenager.

“At 18, I definitely had the mindset that I was never coming back,” she said.

“I have also since had the opportunity to live in many different towns and cities.

“With that experience, I can say that, yes, it is daunting starting up in a new town – you have to find your people and interests quickly.

“I think belonging and connection is key to staying in a town. I love dance, art and music – so have enjoyed finding classes and community groups that fill my passions outside of work.

“I encourage new people to the region to keep sharing your interests with people and the theory of six degrees of separation will come to fruition.”

Yarriambiack Shire Council is seeking community feedback to plan its future direction for earlyyears.

The Yarriambiack Early Years Strategy 2023-27 will identify current and future opportunieis, and challenges, facing families across the region.

Chief executive Tammy Smith said consultant Rachael Williams, the co-founder of Local Logic Place, would support the development of the strategy.

“We recognise just how critical the early years are for children’s development and how this affects their continued success over their lifetime. We are facing a number of challenges, such as ageing infrastructure and workforce shortages in early childhood education, but looking forward there are many exciting opportunities for our shire and region,” she said.

“Murtoa’s new integrated earlyyears hub and the 30 hours of four-year-old kindergarten confirmed for Yarriambiack children are on the horizon that will have positive impacts for generations.

“This strategy will look at what we as a council can do to support our youngest residents and their families.”

The council will invite residents to provide their feedback via an online survey and community consultation sessions.

People wanting more information can go to www.yarriambiack. vic.gov.au/Council-Services/ Community-Programs/EarlyYears-Services