Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Action Plan
Children are our future. Investing in the first eight years of a childs life will improve their health and education prospects and lead to improved
social, human and economic outcomes for our community. This is especially true for children from vulnerable families
(Source: MAV Municipal Early Years Planning Framework and Practical Resource Guide May 2011).
Welcome to the City of Greater Bendigos (the City) Municipal Early Years Plan Action Plan for 2015 - 2018.
The Citys Municipal Early Years Plan has been developed with a focus on the needs of children aged from birth to eight years of age including
their families, carers and agencies that serve them.
The Action Plan presents Objectives relating to each Theme and Actions that will be undertaken to meet each Objective, not only by the City but
also with families and children and a range of agencies working with children throughout the municipality.
The evidence base that emerged from these four reports was analysed and used to identify Actions, priorities, emerging issues, trends and
opportunities based on the six Key Themes; these being:
Theme 1: Safety of Children.
Theme 2: Environment and Facilities for Children.
Theme 3: Active and Healthy Children.
The lead agency for the Action who will take responsibility to ensure the Action is undertaken and seeking to include children and
families where possible.
The partners involved in the Action who are the other agencies the lead agency will work with to undertake the Action.
Any relevant strategies associated with the Action the strategies, plans or policies related to the particular Action.
What success will look like when the Action is undertaken what will the outcome look like.
Which year the Action relates too is the Action across the whole life of the Plan or just certain years.
Agencies had a range of opportunities to contribute to the Action Plan including Key Stakeholder Forums, Agency Surveys and individual face
to face meetings. The Action Plan aims to be a reflection of the existing strategies, programs, partnerships and research occurring throughout
the City for children birth to eight years and the specific work the City, agencies and families and children wish to undertake in the coming four
years.
The City recognises that the Early Years are crucial for childrens healthy growth, wellbeing and development throughout life. Accordingly, the
Municipal Early Years Plan aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of children and families by providing a framework to prioritise needs, plan
for the future, facilitate partnerships and allocate resources as well as recognising the important work community agencies, Early Years
Services and partnerships with the City undertake.
The Action Plan and all associated background reports are available at: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/meyp.
NB: Please note that Early Years Providers refers to early learning centres / childcare centres (private, Council owned or not-for-profit),
kindergarten (in an early learning centre or as a standalone program), school or a range of other childrens and family services.
Objectives
1.1. To support
organisations,
programs and
initiatives that
promote childrens
safety in the
community.
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Communities for
Children
Victoria Police
Liquor Licensing
Commission
Bendigo
Community Health
Youth Support and
Advocacy Service
(YSAS)
St Lukes
Department of
Justice and
Regulation
Positive Ageing
Group
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
Greater
Bendigo
Community
Safety Strategy
2013
City of Greater
Bendigo
As above
Families and
children
Greater
Bendigo
Community
Safety Strategy
2013
1-4
Objectives
1.1. To support
organisations,
programs and
initiatives that
promote childrens
safety in the
community.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
LoddonCampaspe
Centre for Non
Violence
Partners
Communities for
Children
Early Years
Coordination
Group
CASA
Families and
children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Relevant
Strategies
City of Greater
Bendigo
Violence
Prevention Plan
2012
Greater
Bendigo
Community
Safety Strategy
2013
Year
LoddonCampaspe
Centre for Non
Violence
Communities for
Children
Early Years
Providers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo health
CASA
City of Greater
Bendigo
Violence
Prevention Plan
2012
Greater
Bendigo
Community
Suitable resources
have been developed
and distributed. There
is greater awareness by
service providers of
family violence issues
and how to respond to
such issues.
Objectives
1.1. To support
organisations,
programs and
initiatives that
promote childrens
safety in the
community.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Safety Strategy
2013
1.1.5 Support the
development and delivery
of the Common Risk
Assessment Framework
Family Violence Training in
the Early Years Sector.
LoddonCampaspe
Centre for Non
Violence
Communities for
Children
Early Years
Providers
Bendigo Health
CASA
City of Greater
Bendigo
Violence
Prevention Plan
2012
Greater
Bendigo
Community
Safety Strategy
2013
City of Greater
Bendigo
Victoria Police
Bendigo Health
Tobacco Act
1987
1-4
Bendigo Health
Tobacco Act
1987
2-4
Families and
children
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
CAMHS
Relevant
Strategies
Bendigo Health
Bendigo
Community Health
Maternal and Child
Health
Families and
children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Year
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Department of
Education and
Training
Community
Reference Group
Project Control
Group
Relevant Strategies
Year
Strathfieldsaye
Early Learning
Centre Feasibility
Studies 2009 and
2010
Strathfieldsaye
Structure Plan
2011
Council Plan
2013 - 2017
1-4
Construct a new 88
place Early Learning
Centre, Maternal and
Child Health and
meeting area at Club
Court.
Proposed completion
December 2016.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Loddon Mallee
Kindergarten
Association
(LMPA)
YMCA Ballarat
Bendigo
Kindergarten
Municipal
Association of
Victoria (MAV)
Private developers
Kindergarten
Licence
agreements
Review of Early
Childhood
Services
Council Plan
2013 2017
Newly developing
residential areas
and Structure
Plan
1-4
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
(BDAC)
City of Greater
Bendigo
Relevant Strategies
Year
Early Years
Providers
Department of
Education and
Training
City of Greater
Bendigo
Department of
Health and Human
Services
To be confirmed
A new facility
focussing on health,
wellbeing and Early
Years Services has
been constructed and
is well utilised by
Aboriginal families.
3-4
Australian
Breastfeeding
Association
Business operators
Goldfields Library
Health Services
Community Groups
and agencies
Early Childhood
Services
To be confirmed
1-4
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Relevant Strategies
Year
Department of
Education and
Training
Private developers
Businesses
Community groups
and agencies
Planning scheme
Structure Plans
Council Plan
2013 - 2017
City of Greater
Bendigo
Infrastructure
Plan (when
completed)
1-4
Maternal and
Child Health
Program
Standards (2009)
1-4
Developers ensure
facilities are safe and
child friendly.
1-4
2.1.6 Incorporate
community feedback in
relation to Maternal and
Child Health services and
facilities on an identified
needs basis.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Department of
Education and
Training
Community
agencies
Early Years
Providers
Families and
children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Department of
Education and
Training
Private developers
Australian
Standards
Australian
Building Code
Facilities in Greater
Bendigo for families
and children meet
Australian Standards
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant Strategies
Year
10
City of Greater
Bendigo
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community groups
and agencies
Play Australia
City of Greater
Bendigo Play
Strategy 2009
City of Greater
Bendigo Public
Health and
Wellbeing Plan
2013
City of Greater
Bendigo Open
Space Strategy
2005
A number of
strategically located
play spaces with
secure fencing which
are accessed by
children of all abilities.
1-4
Businesses
Private developers
Early Years
Providers
Community
Agencies
Council Plan
2013 - 2017
Greater Bendigo
Planning Scheme
Structure Plans
Greater Bendigo
Community Plans
City of Greater
Bendigo
o Play Strategy
2009
1-4
A checklist is
developed and used
when planning public
spaces, open spaces,
play spaces,
commercial spaces
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant Strategies
o Open Space
Strategy 2005
o Walking and
Cycling
Strategy 2005
o Integrated
Transport and
Land Use Study
o Strategic Plan
2014
o Public Health
and Wellbeing
Plan 2014
City of Greater
Bendigo
Property
developers
VicRoads
Council Plan
2013 - 2017
City of Greater
Bendigo
o 2036
Community
Plan
o Community
Safety Strategy
2013
o Public Health
and Wellbeing
Pl0an 2013
Year
and transport
throughout the City.
1-4
11
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Relevant Strategies
Year
Existing residential
areas are well
connected to local
infrastructure and
cycling / walking
networks.
1-4
o Walking and
Cycling
o Strategy 2005
o Play Strategy
2009
o Open Space
Strategy 2005
o Integrated
Transport and
Land Use Study
Strategic Plan
2014
2.2.4 Progressively
upgrade cycling and
walking networks in existing
residential areas so that the
majority of homes are
connected to key
community spaces such as
schools and Early Learning
Centres by footpaths, offroad shared trails or on
marked roads.
12
Partners
City of Greater
Bendigo
Council Plan
2013 - 2017
City of Greater
Bendigo
o 2036
Community
Plan
o Community
Safety Strategy
2013
o Public Health
and Wellbeing
Plan 2013
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant Strategies
Year
1-4
Integrated
Transport & Land
Use Study
Strategic Plan
2014
Accessible, affordable
and safe transport
services, stops and
terminals exist.
o Walking and
Cycling
Strategy 2005
o Play Strategy
2009
o Open Space
Strategy 2005
o Integrated
Transport &
Land Use Study
Strategic Plan
2014
2.2.5 Develop shade in
Public Space Guidelines.
City of Greater
Bendigo
City of Greater
Bendigo
Department of
Transport,
Planning and Local
Infrastructure
Private bus
companies
Private taxi
companies.
13
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
14
Partners
Families and
children
Relevant Strategies
Year
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
3.1. To provide
opportunities for all
children to participate
in physical activities.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Sports Clubs
Recreation
organisations
Families
City of Greater
Bendigo Active
Living Census
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
Grants Program
1-4
3.2. To improve
overall health
outcomes for children.
To be confirmed
1-4
To be confirmed
Data available on
community health and
wellbeing incorporates
information about
childrens health and
wellbeing.
1-4
Bendigo
Community
Health
Services
Bendigo
Community
Health
Services
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Department of
Education and
Training
Families and
children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Primary Schools
Department of
Education and
Training
15
Objectives
3.2. To improve
overall health
outcomes for children.
(Continued)
16
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
(Smiles4Miles
provider)
Partners
City of Greater
Bendigo Maternal
and Child Health
services
Department of
Health and Human
Services
Dental Health
Services Victoria
Early Years
Providers
Dentists
Relevant
Strategies
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo Active
Living Census
Data available on
community health and
wellbeing incorporates
information about
childrens (aged 0-8)
health and wellbeing.
1-4
Health professionals
report lower rates of
poor oral heath in
children 0-8 years of
age.
1-4
Objectives
3.2. To improve
overall health
outcomes for children.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Bendigo Health
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
Castlemaine
Meeting Place
St Peters Primary
School
Families and
children
To be confirmed
Increased rates of
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Island people
accessing Bendigo
Health Dental Clinic.
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Primary Schools
Department of
Education and
Training
Communities for
Children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Integrated
Transport and
Land Use
Strategy
City of Greater
Bendigo Active
Travel Guide
City of Greater
Bendigo Active
Living Census
1-4
St John of God
Hospital
Families
To be confirmed
1-4
17
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
3.2. To improve
overall health
outcomes for children.
(Continued)
Year
St John of God
Hospital
Families
To be confirmed
1-4
3.3. To increase
participation in
Maternal and Child
Health Services
especially for
Aboriginal children
and families.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
Families and
children
Communities for
Children
Core Work
1-4
3.4. To maintain
immunisation rates
above the Victorian
state average.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Health services
Families and
children
Guidelines for
immunisation
practice in local
governments
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Health services
Guidelines for
immunisation
Immunisation venues
are safe and accessible
for all children and their
1-4
patronised by new
parents.
18
Relevant
Strategies
Objectives
3.4. To maintain
immunisation rates
above the Victorian
state average.
(Continued)
3.5. To maintain
breastfeeding rates
above the Victorian
state average.
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
practice in local
governments
Year
families.
Bendigo Health
Families and
children
Core Work
A greater percentage of
children across the City
are immunised.
1-4
3.5.1 Continue to
support and promote the
benefits of breastfeeding
through the Maternal and
Child Health Program,
hospitals, social
media, Council website,
brochures, etc.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
Bendigo
Community Health
Australian
Breastfeeding
Association
St John of God
Hospital
Maternal and
Child Health
Program
Standards
(2009)
Breastfeeding rates in
the City remain above
the state average;
support for
breastfeeding is readily
available; and
information about the
benefits of breastfeeding
is easily accessible.
1-4
3.5.2 Establish a
breastfeeding clinic at St
John of God Hospital.
St John of God
Hospital
Families
To be confirmed
19
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.1. To provide
families with clear and
understandable
information about
programs, services
and childrens
development.
20
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo
Families
Community groups
and agencies
Private Early Years
Providers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Core Work
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community groups
and agencies
Private Early Years
Providers
St John of God
Hospital
Bendigo Health
Core Work
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Core Work
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Core Work
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Core Work
Communities for
Children
Early Years
Providers
Department of
Social Services
Family Support
Services
Community
Agencies
Government
Agencies
Bendigo Health
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
City of Greater
Bendigo
Enhanced and
integrated Early Years
Services, particularly for
vulnerable and
disadvantaged families.
1-4
21
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
22
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
4.2.5 Establish a
Grandparents Playgroup in
the City of Greater
Bendigo.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community groups
and agencies
Playgroup Victoria
Families and
children
Core Work
A grandparents
playgroup is operational
in the City.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities for
Children
Playgroups
Early Years
Providers
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo
Kindergarten
Clusters
Early Years
Providers
St Lukes Preschool Field Officer
Early Years
Providers
Department of
Education and
Training
Community groups
and agencies
Core Work
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Kindergarten
Clusters
St Lukes Preschool Field Officer
Early Years
Providers
Community groups
and agencies
Core Work
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Loddon Mallee
Kindergarten
Core Work
Kindergarten
infrastructure and
operations are equipped
23
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
infrastructure needed to
address the changed ratio
of staff to children from
1:15 to 1:11 in 2016.
Partners
4.2.10 Undertake
discussions with
kindergartens and Early
Years Providers to develop
a strategy to adapt to a
potential cut in Federal
Government funding to four
year old kindergarten
programs.
24
City of Greater
Bendigo
Relevant
Strategies
Association
(LMPA)
YMCA of Ballarat
Bendigo
Kindergarten
Early Years
Providers
Kindergarten
clusters
Loddon Mallee
Kindergarten
Association
(LMPA)
YMCA of Ballarat
Bendigo
Kindergarten
Early Years
Providers
Kindergarten
clusters
St Lukes
Pre-school Field
Officer
Year
Core Work
Strategy is in place to
deal with a potential cut
in Federal Government
funding to the four year
old kindergarten
program.
1-3
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
service providers and
educational
opportunities for
parents.
Communities for
Children
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Cooperative
(BDAC)
City of Greater
Bendigo
Department of
Health and Human
Services
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
St Lukes
Anglicare
Department of
Education and
Training
Health Services
Bendigo Health
St Lukes
Anglicare Early
Childhood
Development
Program Plan
Draft Health
Care that
Counts 2015
Increased awareness of
referral pathways in
Early Years Sector.
1-4
Department of
Health
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Increased awareness of
identifying, responding
to and supporting
vulnerable families.
Increased
understanding of child
abuse and mandatory
reporting in Early Years
Sector.
Increased awareness of
identifying, responding
25
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
service providers and
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
26
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
to and supporting
vulnerable families.
4.3.3 Continue to promote
Early Years training
material to Early Years
Providers via the Child
FIRST website and email
networks.
St Lukes
Anglicare
Local family
service agencies
St Lukes
Anglicare Early
Childhood
Development
Program Plan
Increased awareness
and understanding of
childhood development
amongst Early Years
Providers.
1-4
St Lukes
Anglicare
Local family
service agencies
St Lukes
Anglicare Early
Childhood
Development
Program Plan
Increased planning
around responding to
childrens
developmental needs
including evidence of
child developmental
plans in client files
where relevant.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Department of
Education and
Training
Core Work
A number of workshops
held annually to
enhance the skill level of
practitioners.
Workshops include:
Code of Ethics
Diversity
1-4
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
service providers and
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Fostering Literacy
outcomes
Critical reflection
Positive transitions to
school Communicating
with all families
4.3.6 Provide parental
education and support
opportunities for families in
relation to Early Years,
including pre-natal
education.
Bendigo
Community
Health
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
Families
To be confirmed
1-4
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
Families
Core Work
1-4
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
Families
Amicus
Core Work
Autism Group
established for the
Aboriginal community
1-4
27
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
service providers and
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
28
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Schools
Country Fire
Authority (CFA)
Victorian Farmers
Federation
Greater Bendigo
Farmers Advisory
Community
Foundation
Department of
Education and
Training
Department of
Environment,
Land, Water and
Planning
City of Greater
Bendigo Rural
Areas Strategy
2009
Forthcoming
Greater
Bendigo Rural
Communities
Strategy
St Lukes
Anglicare
Department of
Education and
Training
Bendigo Health
St Lukes
Anglicare Early
Childhood
Development
Program Plan
Bendigo Health
Vulnerable
1-4
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
service providers and
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Children
Protocol 2015
Year
Increased awareness of
identifying, responding
to and supporting
vulnerable families.
Bendigo Health CAMHS
Early Years
Providers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Schools
DHHS
Bi annual Infant
Mental Health
Forums
Development of
a Secondary
consultation
framework to
MCHN and
Primary
Schools
A greater awareness by
early years workers of
the link between family
psychosocial disruption
and psychological and
mental health issues in
children.
1-4
Strategies implemented
to reduce the impact of
family psychosocial
disruption on children's
psychological and
mental health.
29
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.4. To implement
Councils changed
role in response to the
outcomes of the Early
Childhood Services
Review.
30
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo
Families
Review of Early
Childhood
Services (Draft)
2013
Municipal Early
Years Plan
(2015 2018)
New directions
proposed in the Early
Years Review have
begun to be
implemented.
1-2
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Kindergarten
clusters
State Government
Community
Agencies
Communities for
Children
Review of Early
Childhood
Services (Draft)
2013
Early Childhood
Services Review
implemented.
Governance and
service co-ordination
to support improved
quality, access and
better integration of
early childhood
services
Improved
information and
referral processes
for families to access
early childhood
services
Innovative models
across the
1-4
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.4. To implement
Councils changed
role in response to the
outcomes of the Early
Childhood Services
Review.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Municipality for
delivering early
childhood services
4.4.3 Investigate the
feasibility of the City of
Greater Bendigo
coordinating the central
enrolment system for
kindergarten s and Long
Day Care in Greater
Bendigo. The current
system has been
coordinated by the LMPA
since 2004.
City of
Greater
Bendigo
Loddon
Mallee
Preschool
Association
Kindergarten
clusters
St Lukes Preschool Field Officer
Early Years
Providers
Municipal
Association of
Victoria (Central
Enrolment Grants
Program)
Review of Early
Childhood
Services (Draft)
2013
1-2
Apply to Municipal
Association of Victoria
for Central Enrolment
Project grants to
support transitioning
arrangements.
A new central enrolment
system has been
implemented in 2016.
4.5. To ensure
systemic improvement
for vulnerable and at
risk children.
Bendigo
Community
Health
Communities for
Children
Baptcare
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
Additional supported
playgroups are
available and are
accessed by vulnerable
families.
1-4
31
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Relevant
Strategies
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo
Families and
children
4.5. To ensure
systemic improvement
for vulnerable and at
risk children.
(Continued)
4.5.2 Develop and
implement a package to
train people as supported
playgroup leaders.
Bendigo
Community
Health
Communities for
Children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
Additional supported
playgroup leaders are
trained and leading
supported playgroups.
Bendigo
Community
Health
Communities for
Children
Family service
agencies
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
Resources to assist
referrals have been
developed for supported
playgroups.
1-4
Families and
children
Core Work
32
Partners
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
Additional vulnerable
families are accessing
supported playgroups.
The Aboriginal
playgroup continues to
provide quality,
supported early learning
opportunities for children
and their families.
1-4
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
4.5. To ensure
systemic improvement
for vulnerable and at
risk children.
(Continued)
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
4.6. To increase
literacy and numeracy
skills of children and
their families.
Bendigo Health
Communities for
Children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
Bendigo Health
Communities for
Children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Goldfield Libraries
Families and
children
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
The Childrens
Language and Literacy
Plan has been
developed, endorsed
and implemented.
1-2
Bendigo Business
Council
Communities for
Children
Communities
for Children
33
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.6. To increase
literacy and numeracy
skills of children and
their families.
(Continued)
34
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Bendigo Rotary
Club
Bendigo Health
Relevant
Strategies
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
Year
4.6.4 Encourage
organisations and
businesses to establish a
childrens book area in their
reception areas / foyers /
waiting rooms.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
Organisations
Businesses
Core Work
Organisations and
businesses throughout
Greater Bendigo
develop a childrens
book area.
1-4
Eaglehawk
Community
House
Families and
children
To be confirmed
1-4
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
Families and
children
Core Work
1-4
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
Actions
4.7. To support
access and
participation in Early
Childhood Services for
children living in Out
of Home Care (OoHC)
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Department of
Health and
Human Services /
contracted
community
service
organisations
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
Core Work
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Carers of children
who live in Out if
Home Care
Maternal and Child
Health services
Kindergartens
Relevant Early
Years Services
Bendigo Health
Out of Home
Care Education
Commitment
2010
Out of Home
Care Practice
Manual
Charter for
Children in Out
of Home Care
Early Childhood
Agreement for
Children in Out
1-4
35
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.7. To support
access and
participation in Early
Childhood Services for
children living in Out
of Home Care
(OoHC).
(Continued)
36
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
of Home Care
2014
4.7.3 Ensure that children
who live in out of home
care are provided with a
place in early childhood
education centres wherever
possible; ensure that these
services are inclusive and
culturally appropriate; and
provide ongoing support to
their carers.
Department of
Education and
Training
Early Childhood
Education Centres
Out of Home
Care Education
Commitment
2010
Out of Home
Care Practice
Manual
Charter for
Children in Out
of Home Care
Early Childhood
Agreement for
Children in Out
of Home Care
2014
1-4
Department of
Education and
Training
Early Years
Providers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Department of
Health and Human
Services
Early Childhood
Agreement for
Children in Out
of Home Care
2014
1-4
Purpose: To ensure children have access to the best possible education and care.
Objectives
4.7. To support
access and
participation in Early
Childhood Services for
children living in Out
of Home Care
(OoHC).
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
DET
Bendigo
Community Health
Out of Home
Care Education
Commitment
2010
Out of Home
Care Practice
Manual
Charter for
Children in Out
of Home Care
Early Childhood
Agreement for
Children in Out
of Home Care
2014
Year
Department of
Health and
Human Services
1-4
37
38
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Bendigo Community
Health
Goodstart Early
learning
Bendigo Health
Catholic Care
Department of Health
and Human Services
St Lukes Anglicare
Department of Health
Baptcare
Communities for
Children
YMCA of Ballarat
Department of
Education and Training
Noahs Ark
Catholic education
Loddon Mallee
Kindergarten
Association
Bendigo Aboriginal Co
op
Relevant
Strategies
Core Work
Year
1-4
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
City of Greater
Bendigo
Kindergarten clusters
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
Early Years Providers
Bendigo Regional
Institute of TAFE
Community
organisations
Bendigo Health
Bendigo Community
Health
Allied health workers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Schools
Kindergarten Clusters
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
Early Years Providers
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Core Work
To be confirmed
A more coordinated
approach is developed
to assisting families and
their children through
the establishment of a
multi-sectoral group.
1-4
39
40
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Childhood
Providers
5.1.5 Develop
partnerships and
participate in the Kids in
the Community Study
(KICS ) to allow for
strategic planning and
community responses
based on health and
developmental factors in
Eaglehawk, Long Gully
and Maiden Gully .
Centre for
Community Child
Health Royal
Childrens
Hospital
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years Providers
Schools
Kindergarten Clusters
Bendigo Community
Health
Allied health
GPs
Bendigo Health
Outside School Hours
Care Operators
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Core Work
Year
1-4
Reported evidence
through a set of
measures that allows
the City to strategically
plan and develop
effective policies and
programs to improve
child development
outcomes throughout
Maiden Gully, Long
Gully and Eaglehawk.
1-2
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Partners
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities For
Children
Early Years
Coordination Group
Core Work
Strategic planning to
identify growth areas
suitable for the
development of Early
Years facilities, services
and programs.
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Core Work
1-4
41
42
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
5.3. To advocate to
State and Federal
Governments for
funding and support in
response to emerging
needs of the
community.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
organisations
Kindergarten clusters
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
Early Years Providers
The First Quarter
Early Years Co
ordination Group
Core Work
Additional resources
have been received in
Greater Bendigo to
support Early Years
initiatives that respond
to identified priority
needs.
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
organisations
Kindergarten clusters
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
Early Years Providers
Core Work
Funding shortfalls,
future infrastructure
priorities and service
gaps are identified and
prioritised. Inter-agency
partnerships are
developed and funding
1-4
up to date information
about Early Years.
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
5.3. To advocate to
State and Federal
Governments for
funding and support in
response to emerging
needs of the
community.
(Continued)
suitable funding
opportunities.
Bendigo Health
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
applications prepared in
response to priority
needs.
Communities for
Children
Early Years Providers
Families
To be confirmed
An adequate number of
health practitioners are
employed and servicing
the region.
1-4
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
Engagement
Guidelines and
Toolkit 2011
Communities
for Children
Consultation
Model (2014)
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
43
Objectives
44
Actions
Lead
Organisation
5.4.2 Establish an
Internal Working Group
to investigate and plan
for the needs of children
and families once they
have moved beyond the
Early Years (i.e. from 812 years of age).
City of Greater
Bendigo
5.4.3 Develop a No
Wrong Door model to
enable families to easily
access relevant services
and enable more
coordinated responses
between agencies.
Communities for
Children
Communities for
Children
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Core Work
Department of
Education and
Training
Schools
Bendigo Health
Year
1-4
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
Health services
Community
organisations
Early Years Providers
Bendigo Health
Families
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
Early Years
Providers
To be confirmed
1-4
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
CASEA
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
To be confirmed
1-4
Early Years
Providers
Families and children
CASEA Program
based in
Schools(prep to
Gde 3) and
involves targeting
young children,
their parents and
teachers in
learning new ways
of relating and
dealing with
challenging
behaviour.(See
1-4
45
Objectives
46
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
DHHS Program
Description)
5.4.8 Assist young
children aged up to 8
years who receive Home
and Community Care
(HACC) service and their
families to transition to
the National Disability
Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) due to
commence July 2016.
City of Greater
Bendigo
DHHS
Disability providers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Core work
Children currently
receiving HACC
services will receive
their services under the
NDIS scheme
2-4
1-4
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Municipal Early
Years Plan Evaluation Plan
Year
1-4
47
48
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
City of Greater
Bendigo (Community
Services, Active and
Healthy
Communities,
building and
Property, Open
Spaces, Strategy
Units)
Core Work
City of Greater
Bendigos internal
Working Group is
operating effectively
and delivering and
monitoring relevant
actions.
1-4
To be confirmed
Loddon Children
and Youth Area
Partnership
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
5.6. To ensure
systemic improvement
for vulnerable and at
risk children.
North Central
Victoria Family
Services Alliance
Njernda Aboriginal
Corporation (Echuca)
Bendigo and District
Aboriginal Cooperative
St Lukes Family
Services
Bendigo Community
Health Family
Services
Cobaw Community
Health Family
Services
Mt Alexander Family
Services
Catholic Care Family
Services
Kyabram and District
Family Services
Echuca Regional
Health Family
Services
Child Protection
Universal services
Bendigo Health
Communities for
Children
Relevant
Strategies
North Central
Victoria Family
Services
Alliance
Strategic Plan
(2014)
Year
Increased referrals
between agencies.
1-4
Improved partnerships
between agencies.
Increased engagement
of vulnerable children
in universal services.
Increased support for
children through family
services.
Reduced reports and
re-reports to Child
Protection.
49
Purpose: To ensure the creation of child friendly environments and enhance childrens participation in decision making processes that affect
them
Objectives
Actions
6.2. To enable
children to experience
environments that
respond to their needs
and aspirations.
50
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
VLGA
Child Friendly
Cities and
Communities
Network
The First Quarter
and Early Years
Coordination
Group
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Greater Bendigo is a
Child Friendly City and
Community.
City of Greater
Bendigo
VLGA
Child Friendly
Cities and
Communities
Network
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Businesses
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
1-4
Purpose: To ensure the creation of child friendly environments and enhance childrens participation in decision making processes that affect
them
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
6.2. To enable
children to experience
environments that
respond to their needs
and aspirations.
(Continued)
City of Greater
Bendigo
Emergency
services, e.g.
police, fire,
ambulance, State
Emergency
Services (SES)
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
1-4
City of Greater
Bendigo
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
Engagement
Guidelines and
Toolkit 2011
City of Greater
Bendigos community
engagement framework
and tools include
information on how to
consult with children.
51
Purpose: To ensure the creation of child friendly environments and enhance childrens participation in decision making processes that affect
them
52
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
6.4. To provide
equitable access to
supportive
environments and
services for children,
regardless of gender,
ethnicity, religion or
ability.
City of Greater
Bendigo
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Year
Early Years
Coordination
Group
Children
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Leadership workshops
for children are held
annually.
1-4
Early Years
Coordination
Group
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
1-4
Early Years
Coordination
Group
Families and
children
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
1-4
Relevant
Strategies
Purpose: To ensure the creation of child friendly environments and enhance childrens participation in decision making processes that affect
them
Objectives
6.4. To provide
equitable access to
supportive
environments and
services for children,
regardless of gender,
ethnicity, religion or
ability.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
City of Greater
Bendigo
6.4.5 Develop an
Application and websites
with information regarding
child friendly
facilities/business and
services across Greater
Bendigo.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Early Years
Coordination
Group
Bendigo Health
Relevant
Strategies
Year
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Council polices,
strategic plans and
services have been
reviewed to ensure that
they are supportive to
the needs of children.
1-4
Core Work
Information is available
on Councils website for
children and parents.
1-4
A range of Applications
and websites that assist
staff to undertake their
day to day work,
communicate with
families and promote
services.
Community
Agencies
Businesses
Families
Core Work
An IT Application that
provides information on
where nappy change,
breast feeding, pram
friendly, high chair
availability places are in
Greater Bendigo.
1-4
53
Purpose: To ensure the creation of child friendly environments and enhance childrens participation in decision making processes that affect
them
Objectives
54
Actions
Lead
Organisation
6.4. To provide
equitable access to
supportive
environments and
services for children,
regardless of gender,
ethnicity, religion or
ability.
(Continued)
6.4.6 Provide
intergenerational
opportunities for children at
councils Early Learning
Centres with Home Care
Planned Activity Group
clients. Activities may
include reading, painting
and gardening.
City of Greater
Bendigo
City of Greater
Bendigo
St Lukes
Anglicare
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Core work
Early Years
Providers
The First Quarter
Early Years
Coordination
Group
Year
2-4
Positive Ageing
Children at Early
Learning Centres will
have participated in
activities with older
persons.
Greater
Bendigo Human
Rights Charter
2014
The State of
Bendigos
Children Report
2013
1-4
Purpose: To ensure the creation of child friendly environments and enhance childrens participation in decision making processes that affect
them
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Year
6.6 To facilitate a
broad range of
community based
events for children
and their families.
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
City of Greater
Bendigo
National Aborigines
and Islanders Day
Observance
Committee
Community
Agencies
Bendigo Health
To be confirmed
1-4
6.6 To facilitate a
broad range of
community based
events for children
and their families.
(Continued)
6.6.2 Continue to
implement free / low cost
child friendly events
throughout the municipality,
e.g. Fun Loong Fun Day,
Playgroup Victoria Week
activities, Summer in the
Parks, New Years Eve
entertainment etc.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Playgroup Victoria
Early Years
Providers
Private operators
Businesses
Community Groups
and Organisations
Schools
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
Partnerships
Unit Work Plan
1-4
55
Address:
195-229 Lyttleton Terrace,
Bendigo
Postal Address:
PO Box 733 Bendigo VIC 3552