- $261,832 has been awarded to Ngunga Group Womens Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the first phase of establishing an Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby
- Funding will deliver a project definition plan for development of the centre, which will provide culturally secure early learning
- Joint Cook Government and Minderoo Foundation funding for the project under the Early Years Partnership, as part of the 2024-25 State Budget
A major milestone in the delivery of an Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby has been reached, with the awarding of a $261,832 grant to the Ngunga Group Womens Aboriginal Corporation.
This grant will fund the delivery of a project definition plan as part of the first phase of establishing the Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby.
The centre is one of 24 priority projects funded through the Early Years Partnership, which is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, and The Kids Research Institute Australia.
This project was initiated thanks to the co-designed Community Plan, Wirriya Dunyji Ooba Babanil Ingun Happy Strong Small Children, which identified the need for culturally safe early learning opportunities for families in Derby, Mowanjum and Pandanus Park.
As part of the 2024-25 State Budget, $8.3 million was committed towards establishing the centre, with Minderoo Foundation contributing a significant $2.2 million towards the project.
The Early Years Partnership aims to improve the development, health and learning outcomes of children aged 0-4 years across its partner communities of Derby (including Mowanjum and Pandanus Park), Armadale West, Central Great Southern, and Bidyadanga.
The partnership received a funding uplift of $34.6 million in the 2024-2025 State Budget to ensure continued investment in the critical stages of child development.
As stated by Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to ensuring Western Australia's children get the best possible start in life.
"I'm pleased that with this announcement, the delivery of an Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby is one step closer.
"Our Government knows that when you build strong foundations for children and their families, you get better development, health and learning outcomes.
"This is another fantastic example of what can be achieved through the Early Years Partnership, which is about enabling communities to lead their own development based on their unique needs.
"I want to thank Minderoo Foundation for their contribution to this important project that will support children and families in Derby."
As stated by Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"Access to high-quality early learning in regional areas such as the Kimberley is so important to ensuring children and families can thrive.
"This Early Learning and Family Centre will have a significant impact on the Derby community.
"I am proud to be part of a State Government that prioritises culturally safe early learning for children."
As stated by Minderoo Foundation Communities executive director Penny Dakin:
"Minderoo Foundation welcomes the State Government funding to support Ngunga Group Womens Aboriginal Corporation in its work developing a critical piece of infrastructure for the children and families of Derby, Mowanjum and Pandanus Park as part of the Early Years Partnership.
"Early learning and family centres which are culturally appropriate and community-led have the potential to become central to community life and provide access to services essential for the families and children to thrive."
As stated by Shire of Derby West Kimberley:
"Council is proud to support Ngunga Group Womens through the transfer of land for the Derby Early Learning and Family Centre.
"We look forward to seeing the benefits that will flow to the children and families in Derby, Mowanjum and Pandanus Park and the wider community, through this fantastic program."
