Draft Version of The Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 18.

50
Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 2018
DRAFT ACTION PLAN
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.
Our Early Years Vision:

All children aged from birth to eight years and their families are part of an active, healthy and safe child friendly community that promotes and
provides real opportunities for learning and development.
The Action Plan is a key element set over a four year period in preparing the Municipal Early Years Plan along with an evidence base that
comprises:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Greater Bendigo Demographic Profile for Early Years,

A Review of Plans and Policies,
Community Engagement and Consultation Report;
The Review of Early Childhood Services
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.
Creating the best future for our children
Theme 4: Education and Care for Children.

Theme 5: Whole of Community Partnerships benefitting Children.
Theme 6: A Child Friendly City and Community.
Each of the Themes has led to the development of Objectives and Actions to enable the Greater Bendigo community to create the best future
for our children. These Themes were validated by Key Stakeholder Information Group Forums and the Citys internal Project Control Group as
priorities in the community.
The Action Plan also discusses:
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.
THEME 1. SAFETY OF CHILDREN ACTION PLAN
Purpose: To develop a safe community for children and their families
Objectives
1.1. To support
organisations,
programs and
initiatives that
promote childrens
safety in the
community.
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What success looks

like
Year
1.1.1 Seek to have a

person / organisation
representing the needs of
children appointed to the
Greater Bendigo Safe
Communities Forum.
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
The needs of children

are represented on the
Safe Communities
Forum.
1.1.2 Organise and

participate in events that
promote safety for children
and their families in the
community e.g. White
Ribbon Day.
City of Greater
Bendigo
As above
Families and
children
Greater
Bendigo
Community
Safety Strategy
2013
A range of events that

promote safety are held
within the City of
Greater Bendigo.
1-4
Objectives
1.1. To support
organisations,
programs and
initiatives that
promote childrens
safety in the
community.
(Continued)
Actions
1.1.3 Develop a Family

Violence Prevention Action
Plan for the Greater
Bendigo community.
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
What success looks

like
A Family Violence
Action plan is
developed and
implemented.
Year
Early Years Services

and programs address
family violence through
awareness raising, staff
training and family
support.
Greater linkages and
collaboration between
the Early Years Sector
and family violence
support agencies.
1.1.4 Develop and

disseminate resources on
Family Violence for the
Early Years.
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)
1.2. To develop safe

environments for
children and their
families.
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What success looks

like
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
The Common Risk

Assessment Framework
has been developed
and delivered. There is
greater awareness by
service providers of
family violence issues
and how to respond to
such issues.
1.2.1 Promote and enforce

legislation in regards to
smoking in play spaces
and other public spaces.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Victoria Police
Bendigo Health
Tobacco Act
1987
Childrens play areas

and public spaces are
smoke-free.
1-4
1.2.2 Ensure smoke free

health care for children at
Bendigo Health.
Bendigo Health
Tobacco Act
1987
Children protected from

exposure to 1st, 2nd and
3rd hand smoke while
2-4
Families and
children
Objectives
1.2. To develop safe

environments for
children and their
families.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
What success looks

like
an inpatient in Bendigo
Healths Child and
Adolescent Unit.
1.2.3 Promote emotional

wellbeing of child in
infancy.
CAMHS
Relevant
Strategies
Bendigo Health
Bendigo
Community Health
Maternal and Child
Health
Families and
children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Year
THEME 2. ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN - ACTION PLAN
Purpose: To develop quality and accessible child friendly spaces and places.
Objectives
2.1. To support and

develop additional
Early Years
infrastructure and
child friendly
environments.
Actions
2.1.1 Plan and construct a

new Early Learning Centre
as part of a larger
community hub upgrade to
Club Court.
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Department of
Education and
Training
Community
Reference Group
Project Control
Group
Relevant Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
Strathfieldsaye
Early Learning
Centre Feasibility
Studies 2009 and
2010
Strathfieldsaye
Structure Plan
2011
Council Plan
2013 - 2017
Additional Early Years

Services in
Strathfieldsaye.
1-4
Construct a new 88
place Early Learning
Centre, Maternal and
Child Health and
meeting area at Club
Court.
Proposed completion
December 2016.
2.1.2 Develop an Early

Years Infrastructure Plan to
assist with the Citys
enhanced role in long term
strategic planning and
capital works.
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
Councils long term

planning role in
regards to
Infrastructure and
facilities is based on
population growth and
an Infrastructure Plan
has been developed to
feed into capital works
programs.
1-4
Objectives
2.1. To support and

develop additional
Early Years
infrastructure and
child friendly
environments.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
2.1.3 Assess the feasibility

of developing a purposebuilt building to service the
needs of Aboriginal families
in relation to health,
wellbeing and Early Years
Services and programs.
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
(BDAC)
2.1.4 Enhance and promote

locations suitable for
breastfeeding in public
spaces by improving
existing City facilities and
by developing partnerships
with businesses such as
shopping centres,
restaurants / cafes and
family entertainment
venues.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Relevant Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
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
Suitable locations for

breastfeeding are
available in key
locations throughout
the City and
information about
breastfeeding
locations is readily
available.
1-4
Objectives
2.1. To support and

develop additional
Early Years
infrastructure and
child friendly
environments.
(Continued)
Actions
2.1.5 Encourage the

development of additional
Long Day Care places in
the municipality.
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Relevant Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
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)
Additional Long Day

Care places are
available in the
community and
ensuring these places
match the population
growth areas.
1-4
Maternal and
Child Health
Program
Standards (2009)
Maternal and Child

Health services and
facilities are accessible
and well distributed
across the
municipality.
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
2.1.7 Advocate for the

development of service
standards to ensure that
Early Years facilities are
planned and maintained to
maximise safety and to
provide a child friendly
environment.
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
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
and Building Code

requirements.
2.2. To provide child
friendly environments
to encourage
community
interactions and
childrens
development.
10
2.2.1 Develop play space

fencing guidelines to
ensure that these spaces
are accessible for children
of all abilities.
City of Greater
Bendigo

Years checklist
(incorporating Child
Friendly Cities principles,
Healthy By Design
guidelines and Universal
Design principles) to be
applied to the planning of
public spaces, open
spaces, play spaces,
commercial spaces (where
relevant) and transport to
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
Identified child friendly

spaces exist
throughout the
municipality.
1-4
A checklist is
developed and used
when planning public
spaces, open spaces,
play spaces,
commercial spaces
Objectives

to encourage
community
interactions and
childrens
development.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
ensure these spaces are

suitable for children and
their families.
2.2.3 Develop and

implement guidelines to
ensure that all new
residential areas have safe
and adequate walking and
cycling networks connected
to key community spaces
such as schools and early
learning centres.
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
What Success Looks

Like
Year
and transport
throughout the City.
New residential areas

are well connected to
local infrastructure and
cycling / walking
networks.
1-4
11
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation

to encourage
community
interactions and
childrens
development.
(Continued)
Relevant Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
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
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners

to encourage
community
interactions and
childrens
development.
(Continued)
Relevant Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
Public Health and

Wellbeing Plan
2013
Open Space
Strategy 2005
Adequate shade exists

in public spaces and
sites can be identified.
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
2.2.6 Undertake a review of

transport opportunities for
families within the City of
Greater Bendigo and
implement
recommendations of
review.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Department of
Transport,
Planning and Local
Infrastructure
Private bus
companies
Private taxi
companies.
Provide frequent, high

quality bus networks
across the
municipality.
13
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation

to encourage
community
interactions and
childrens
development.
(Continued)
14
Partners
Families and
children
Relevant Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Strengthen regional
public transport
connections.
85% of people living
within a 10 minute
walk of a bus stop.
Year
THEME 3. ACTIVE AND HEALTHY CHILDREN ACTION PLAN
Purpose: To improve the health and wellbeing of children
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
3.1. To provide
opportunities for all
children to participate
in physical activities.
3.1.1 Work in partnership

with sport and recreation
clubs and organisations to
ensure that costs for
childrens activities,
equipment and uniforms
are kept to a minimum.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Sports Clubs
Recreation
organisations
Families
City of Greater
Bendigo Active
Living Census
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
Grants Program
Costs are kept to a

minimum so that as
many children as
possible can participate
in sport and recreation
activities in Greater
Bendigo.
1-4
3.2. To improve
overall health
outcomes for children.
3.2.1 Promote the uptake of

and progression through
the Healthy Together
Achievement Program for
Early Childhood Services.
To be confirmed
Early Years Providers

have a strong focus on
health and wellbeing in
their daily operations.
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
3.2.2 Promote the uptake of

and progression through
the Healthy Together
Achievement Program for
Primary Schools.
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
(Continued)
16
Actions
Lead
Organisation
3.2.3 All health and

wellbeing data collected by
City of Greater Bendigo to
incorporate information on
children where appropriate.
City of Greater
Bendigo
3.2.4 Continue to promote

oral health for children
through various services
such as the Smiles 4 Miles
program.
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
What Success Looks

Like
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
Action plan for

oral health
promotion
2013-2017
Local
government
action guide
2013
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
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
3.2.5 Increase access to

Bendigo Health Dental
services for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islanders.
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
3.2.6 Increase the

percentage of school
children who regularly
travel to school by an active
transport mode to 80% by
2020.
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
More children use active

transportation to travel
to and from school.
1-4
3.2.7 Maintain Beyond the

Bump program at St John
of God Hospital to provide
new parents with
St John of God
Hospital
Families
To be confirmed
Beyond the Bump

program continues to
operate and is well
Provide the Active

Travel Guide to all
Greater Bendigo
Primary Schools.
1-4
17
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
3.2. To improve
overall health
(Continued)
information about the Early

Years.
What Success Looks

Like
Year
3.2.8 Establish a Maternity

Consumer Group to
evaluate pregnancy and
birthing experiences of new
parents.
St John of God
Hospital
Families
To be confirmed
Feedback from new

parents is used to inform
services and programs
related to pregnancy
and birthing.
1-4
3.3. To increase
participation in
Maternal and Child
Health Services
especially for
Aboriginal children
and families.
3.3.1 Continue to provide

outreach services to
Aboriginal families and
encourage participation in
the Maternal and Child
Health service.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
Families and
children
Communities for
Children
Core Work
More Aboriginal children

and their families access
Maternal and Child
Health Services.
1-4
3.4. To maintain
immunisation rates
above the Victorian
state average.

the importance of
immunisations to families.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Health services
Families and
children
Guidelines for
immunisation
practice in local
governments
Information about the

importance of
immunisation is widely
available throughout the
City.
1-4
3.4.2 Continue to review

immunisation venues for
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
suitability and easy and

safe access.
Relevant
Strategies
practice in local
governments
What Success Looks

Like
Year
families.
3.4.3 Promote opportunistic

immunisations at Bendigo
Health for children
presenting for other
medical treatment.
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
Breast feeding clinic

established.
19
THEME 4. EDUCATION AND CARE FOR CHILDREN ACTION PLAN
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.
4.2. To ensure that

Early Learning
Services and
programs are
affordable, accessible
and inclusive.
20
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year

Years Guide in a range of
relevant community
languages to provide
families with information
about Early Years
programs, services and
facilities.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Families
Community groups
and agencies
Private Early Years
Providers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Core Work
An Early Years guide is

developed and
distributed to families
throughout the
municipality, including
culturally diverse
communities.
4.1.2 Review the

information pack provided
to new and expectant
parents.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community groups
and agencies
Private Early Years
Providers
St John of God
Hospital
Bendigo Health
Core Work
The information pack is

reviewed and modified
as required to meet the
needs of new and
expectant parents.
4.2.1 Review fee structures

of City of Greater Bendigo
Early Learning Centres to
ensure that they are
affordable for local families.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Core Work
City of Greater Bendigo

Early Learning Services
and programs are
affordable for families.
1-4
4.2.2 Undertake an audit of

all City owned Early
Learning Centres to identify
any areas that are not
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Core Work
Early Learning Centres

are accessible for
children and families of
all abilities.
Objectives
4.2. To ensure that

Early Learning
Services and
programs are
and inclusive.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
accessible and rectify

accordingly.
4.2.3 Undertake an audit of
Early Years Services and
staff to ensure that
inclusive practices have
been adopted and
implemented in Early Years
Services and programs.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Core Work

and programs are
inclusive of children and
families regardless of
gender, ethnicity or
ability.
4.2.4 Provide integrated

services for families,
particularly vulnerable and
disadvantaged families, to
improve child health and
wellbeing and
development, safety and
family functioning through
the Community For
Childrens projects.
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
22
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
4.2. To ensure that

Early Learning
Services and
programs are
and inclusive.
(Continued)
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.
4.2.6 To maintain and

enhance the Off To An
Early Start (OTAES)
program throughout
Greater Bendigo by
enabling children to access
Playgroup and
Kindergarten through
supporting families and
educating families on the
need and importance of
early years learning.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities for
Children
Playgroups
Early Years
Providers
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
Parents gain skills and

understanding regarding
their childs
development.
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Families feel more

confident to navigate
Playgroup, kindergarten
and Primary School
networks.
Family routines
embedded that enable
children to participate in
early learning
Families aware of how to
access services
Year
Objectives
4.2. To ensure that

Early Learning
Services and
programs are
and inclusive.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
4.2.7 Investigate and

encourage the
development of additional
Bush Kinder programs.
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
Additional bush kinder

programs offered
throughout the City.
1-4
4.2.8 Advocate for

improved Early Years
policies and funding at a
State and Federal
Government level.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Kindergarten
Clusters
Early Years
Providers
Community groups
and agencies
Core Work
The needs of children,

families and Early Years
Providers are expressed
at State and Federal
Government level as
appropriate.
1-4
4.2.9 Work with

kindergartens to determine
processes and
City of Greater
Bendigo
Loddon Mallee
Kindergarten
Core Work
Kindergarten
infrastructure and
operations are equipped
23
Objectives
4.2. To ensure that

Early Learning
Services and
programs are
and inclusive.
(Continued)
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
What Success Looks

Like
Year
to deal with changed

supervision ratio.
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
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
service providers and
educational
opportunities for
parents.
4.3.1 Develop guidelines

and a self-reflection tool for
Early Years Providers to
assist staff to better
understand and work with
Aboriginal children and
their families.
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

are inclusive of
their families, and
their families are utilising
Early Years Services.

online tools to the Early
Years Sector in the areas
of:
Identifying and
responding to
vulnerable children
and families and
referral pathways
Understanding and
responding to child
abuse and making
reports to child
protection.
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
What Success Looks

Like
Year
identifying, responding
to and supporting
vulnerable families.
Increased
understanding of child
abuse and mandatory
reporting in Early Years
Sector.
25
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
26
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
to and supporting
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
4.3.4 Create a child

development planning tool
to help increase the
knowledge of Early Years
Providers in regards to
early childhood
development stages and
issues.
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.
4.3.5 Provide workshops

for Early Years Providers to
enhance skill levels and the
quality of programs and
services.
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
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
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
Parental education and

support opportunities
provided.
1-4

the Koori Faces parenting
program and other support
groups for Aboriginal
families.
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
Families
Core Work
Aboriginal families are

engaged in various
parenting and support
programs offered by
Bendigo and District
Aboriginal Co-Operative.
1-4
4.3.8 Operate an Autism

Group to work with
children.
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-Operative
Families
Amicus
Core Work
Autism Group
established for the
Aboriginal community
1-4
27
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
28
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
4.3.9 Develop a package

based on farm and
agriculture education for
Early Learning providers
and schools.
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
A farm and agriculture

package has been
developed and
distributed to Early
Learning providers and
schools.

online tools to the Early
Years Sector in the areas
of:
Identifying and
responding to
vulnerable children and
St Lukes
Anglicare
Department of
Education and
Training
Bendigo Health
St Lukes
Anglicare Early
Childhood
Development
Program Plan
Bendigo Health
Vulnerable
Increased Early Years

Sector awareness of
referral pathways and
to and supporting
1-4
Objectives
4.3. To provide
professional
development
opportunities for
educational
opportunities for
parents.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
families and referral

pathways
Understating and
responding to child
abuse and making
reports to child
protection.
4.3.11 Provide support and

educational opportunities to
including:
Maternal and Child
Health Nurses
Primary Schools
Private Practioners
Child Protection
around the impact and link
between family
psychosocial disruption
(including violence) and
psychological and mental
health issues in children.
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Children
Protocol 2015
Increased Early Years

Sector understanding of
child abuse and
mandatory reporting.
Year
to and supporting
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
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
What Success Looks

Like
Year
4.4.1 To close Bendigo

Early Learning Centre in
December 2015.
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
4.4.2 Continue strategic

planning for Early Years
Services throughout the
City.
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
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
What Success Looks

Like
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
Early Years
Providers
Municipal
Association of
Victoria (Central
Enrolment Grants
Program)
Review of Early
Childhood
Services (Draft)
2013
Liaise with LMPA to

transition the system to
ready for enrolments in
2016.
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.
4.5.1 Increase the number

of supported playgroups in
the City and maintain
existing supported
playgroups.
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
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
City of Greater
Bendigo
Families and
children
4.5. To ensure
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.
4.5.3 Develop resources to

assist agencies to refer
families to 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
4.5.4 Continue to provide a

playgroup for Aboriginal
children.
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
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
To be confirmed
To be confirmed
Early Years Unit has

been established and is
well utilised by local
Aboriginal families.
4.5. To ensure
risk children.
(Continued)
4.5.5 Establish an Early

Years Unit to work with
children.
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
4.6. To increase
literacy and numeracy
skills of children and
their families.
4.6.1 Appoint a Childrens

Language and Literacy
worker in Greater Bendigo
to help develop language
and literacy skills of
children and their families.
Bendigo Health
Communities for
Children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
Childrens language and

literacy worker is
appointed and working
with vulnerable families.
4.6.2 Develop, endorse and

implement the Childrens
Plan.
Bendigo Health
Communities for
Children
City of Greater
Bendigo
Goldfield Libraries
Families and
children
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 2017
The Childrens
Plan has been
developed, endorsed
and implemented.
1-2
4.6.3 Develop Imagination

Library to provide one book
per month for every child in
Bendigo Business
Council
Communities for
Children
Communities
for Children
Every child in Bendigo

receives one book per
33
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
Bendigo for their first five

years.
Relevant
Strategies
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
What Success Looks

Like
Year
month for the first five

years of their life.
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

Story Time in the Park in
Bright Street Eaglehawk
Engage parents and
children in books, stories
and general social
connections in an
environment that is nonthreatening and accessible.
Eaglehawk
Community
House
Families and
children
To be confirmed
Story Time in the Park is

well attended by local
families from Eaglehawk
and participants report a
high level of satisfaction
with the program.
1-4
4.6.6 Continue to work with

Aboriginal parents to
improve their literacy and
numeracy skills through
literacy and numeracy kits.
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
Families and
children
Core Work
Literacy and numeracy

skills of both Aboriginal
parents and children
have improved.
1-4
Objectives
Actions
4.7. To support
access and
participation in Early
Childhood Services for
children living in Out
of Home Care (OoHC)
These can be passed on to

their children.
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
4.7.1 Provide City of

Greater Bendigo with
details of children living in
Out of Home Care and
work in partnership to
ensure ongoing
participation in Early Years
Services.
Department of
Health and
Human Services /
contracted
community
service
organisations
City of Greater
Bendigo
Bendigo Health
Core Work
Partners work effectively

together to provide
access to Early Years
Services for children
living in Out of Home
Care.
1-4
4.7.2 Work with carers to

ensure that children living
in out of home care have
access to Early Years
Services such as Maternal
and Child Health (universal
and enhanced services),
kindergarten and other
relevant services.
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
Carers of children living

in out of home care are
supported to ensure that
children access Early
Years Services.
1-4
35
Objectives
4.7. To support
access and
of Home Care
(OoHC).
(Continued)
36
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
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
Children who live in out

of home care and their
carers are supported to
access appropriate early
childhood centres.
1-4
4.7.4 Provide support,

advice, resources and
subsidies to early childhood
providers, City of Greater
Bendigo and Department of
Health and Human
Services to ensure that
children living in Out of
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
Organisations that work

with children in out of
home care are
supported to enable
children to access Early
Years Services and
programs.
1-4
Objectives
4.7. To support
access and
of Home Care
(OoHC).
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
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
The medical records of

children living in Out of
Home Care are retained
by their carers and
passed on to relevant
organisations as
required.
Year
Home Care are able to

access Early Years
Services and programs
4.7.5 Develop a policy to
ensure that Out of Home
Carers retain and pass on
the medical history of
children in their care.
Department of
Health and
Human Services
1-4
37
THEME 5. WHOLE OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS BENEFITTING CHILDREN ACTION PLAN
Purpose: To strengthen Early Years partnerships to improve outcomes for children.
38
Objectives
Actions
5.1. To enhance and

develop whole of
community interagency partnerships
across all government
and community
sectors to enable
integrated planning
leading to the
improved delivery of
Early Years services
and programs.
5.1.1 Ensure that City of

Greater Bendigo Early
Years staff are
represented on
appropriate planning and
project partnerships
including The First
Quarter, Early Years
Coordination Group,
Children and Youth Area
Partnership.
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
What Success Looks

Like
participates in The First
Quarter and Early Years
Coordination Group
meetings and other
initiatives as
appropriate.
Year
1-4
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
5.1. To enhance and

develop whole of
and community
sectors to enable
integrated planning
leading to the
and programs.
(Continued)
5.1.2 Review existing

Early Years networks to
ensure that they meet the
needs of Early Years
Providers in terms of
sharing of information,
networking and learning
opportunities.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Kindergarten clusters
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
Bendigo Regional
Institute of TAFE
Community
organisations
5.1.3 Establish a multisectoral group to discuss

Early Years cases.
Bendigo Health
Bendigo Community
Health
Allied health workers
City of Greater
Bendigo
Schools
Kindergarten Clusters
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
Core Work
Early Years networks

meet the needs of Early
Years Providers.
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
5.1. To enhance and

develop whole of
and community
sectors to enable
integrated planning
leading to the
and programs.
(Continued)
5.1.4 Assist agencies to

improve Early Years
Services, programs and
facilities by providing
planning advice and
support for integrated
partnership approaches,
funding submissions and
other initiatives.
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
Schools
Kindergarten Clusters
Bendigo Community
Health
Allied health
GPs
Bendigo Health
Outside School Hours
Care Operators
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Core Work
What Success Looks

Like
Year
Agencies are supported

to seek additional
resources or to instigate
various Early Years
initiatives through
advice, information and
specific data that may
assist in the
development of funding
applications, programs
and projects.
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
What Success Looks

Like
Year

Aboriginal Co op
Family Day Care
Providers
5.1. To enhance and

develop whole of
and community
sectors to enable
integrated planning
leading to the
and programs.
(Continued)
5.2. To encourage the
development of
research and sharing
of research data to
improve our evidence
base and to help plan,
deliver and advocate
for services.
Partners
5.2.1 Plan and identify

future growth areas
suitable for the
development of Early
Years facilities, services
and programs.
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
5.2.2 Encourage relevant

organisations to share
data and information to
City of Greater
Bendigo
Core Work

and the community are
regularly provided with
1-4
41
42
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
5.2. To encourage the

development of
research and sharing
of research data to
improve our evidence
base and to help plan,
deliver and advocate
for services.
(Continued)
improve service planning

and delivery.
5.3. To advocate to
State and Federal
Governments for
funding and support in
response to emerging
needs of the
community.
5.3.1 Identify community

priorities and funding
opportunities and assess
eligibility for various
projects.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
organisations
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
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
5.3.2 Work in partnership

with peak bodies and
community agencies to
identify funding shortfalls,
infrastructure
requirements service
gaps and investigate
City of Greater
Bendigo
Community
organisations
St Lukes Pre-school
Field Officer
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.
5.3.3 Advocate for an

increase in the number of
paediatricians, child
psychiatrists, mental
health practitioners and
psychologists to service
the region.
Bendigo Health
5.4. To provide high

quality, accessible and
equitable Early Years
Services and
programs which
respond to priority
needs of children and
their families.
5.4.1 Encourage Early

Years providers to seek
consult with families to
improve service policies
and practices, using tools
such as City of Greater
Bendigos Community
Engagement Strategy
and the Communities for
Children Consultation
Model
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
applications prepared in
response to priority
needs.

St John of God
Hospital
Universities
Businesses
Communities for
Children
Families
To be confirmed
An adequate number of
health practitioners are
employed and servicing
the region.
1-4

regularly seek and
obtain feedback from
clients and utilise this
information to make
informed service
delivery improvements.
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

Services and
programs which
respond to priority
their families.
(Continued)
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
5.4.4 Develop a warm

referral practice and
process to improve
access to services.
Communities for
Children
5.4.5 Provide timely and

responsive support to
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Core Work
Department of
Education and
Training
Schools
Bendigo Health
What Success Looks

Like
Year
The needs of children 812 years of age are

planned for by a broad
range of agencies
working in partnership.
1-4
Health services and

Community
organisations
Bendigo Health
Families
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
The No Wrong Door

model has been
developed and
implemented.
Health services
Community
organisations
Bendigo Health
Families
Communities
for Children
Action Plan
2015 - 2017
A warm referral process

is in practice.
Early Years
Providers
To be confirmed
Families with complex

and severe mental
1-4
Objectives
Actions

Services and
programs which
respond to priority
their families.
(Continued)
families with complex and

severe mental health
difficulties.
Lead
Organisation

timely and responsive
support to families with
complex and severe
mental health difficulties.

support around
behavioural difficulties for
children at primary
school, their parents and
teachers through the
CAMHS And Schools
Early Action (CASEA)
program
CASEA
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
Families and children

Maternal and Child
Health Services
To be confirmed
Early childhood services

are more skilled to
identify and respond to
mental health
difficulties.
1-4
Early Years
Providers
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
Primary school children

who experience
behavioural difficulties
and their parents /
teachers are able to
receive support from the
CASEA program.
1-4
health difficulties are

well supported by health
professionals and early
years providers.
45
Objectives

Services and
programs which
respond to priority
their families.
(Continued)
5.5. To implement the

Municipal Early Years
Plan as a whole of
community
partnership and
evaluate its
effectiveness in
achieving the goals,
objectives and
actions.
46
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
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
5.5.1 The First Quarter

and Early Years
Coordination Group to
contribute to, review and
provide feedback
regarding the Draft
Plan.
City of Greater
Bendigo
The First Quarter

Early Years Co
ordination Group
Core work
Children currently
receiving HACC
services will receive
their services under the
NDIS scheme
2-4
Progress reports and

the process to evaluate
the Municipal Early
Years Plan is governed
and evaluated by the
First Quarter and Early
Years Coordination
Group
1-4
Objectives
Actions

Plan as a whole of
community
partnership and
evaluate its
effectiveness in
objectives and
actions.
(Continued)
5.5.2 Evaluate the

Plan involving key
stakeholders, The First
Quarter and Early Years
Coordination Group using
a multi-faceted evaluation
process that includes
qualitative and
quantitative evaluation
methods.
Lead
Organisation
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
The First Quarter

The Early Years Co
ordination Group
Community Agencies
State Government
Departments
Relevant
Strategies
Municipal Early
Years Plan Evaluation Plan
What Success Looks

Like
Formative Evaluation
Plan is prepared and
ratified.
Year
1-4
Methods to collect data

and information are
implemented and
reviewed.
Annual Evaluation
Reports are prepared
and Action Plan
updates
Points of continuous
improvement are
developed and
implemented.
Actions from the Plan
are coordinated
involving the Early
Years Coordination
Group.
47
48
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation

Plan as a whole of
community
partnership and
evaluate its
effectiveness in
objectives and
actions.
(Continued)
5.5.3 Develop an internal

Plan Working Group to
assist in the delivery of
the relevant actions
contained within the Plan.
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
5.5.4 Link the Municipal

Early Years Plan with the
development of the
Loddon Children and
Youth Area Partnership.
The First Quarter

Bendigo Health
To be confirmed
The Municipal Early

Years Plan is effectively
linked with the Loddon
Children and Youth
Area Partnership.
Loddon Children
and Youth Area
Partnership
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
5.6. To ensure
risk children.
5.6.1 Develop and

enhance partnerships
between Child FIRST /
Family Services and
universal and secondary
early years services
through regular
discussions, information
sharing, networking and
conversation circles.
North Central
Victoria Family
Services Alliance
Njernda Aboriginal
Corporation (Echuca)
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)
What Success Looks

Like
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
THEME 6. A CHILD FRIENDLY COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
Purpose: To ensure the creation of child friendly environments and enhance childrens participation in decision making processes that affect
them
Objectives
Actions
6.1. Lead the

implementation of the
Victorian Local
Government
Associations Charter
for Child Friendly
Cities and
Communities.
6.1.1 Adopt the VLGA Child

Friendly Cities and
Communities Charter.
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
What Success Looks

Like
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.
6.1.2 Implement the three

Goals discussed in the
Child Friendly Cities and
Communities Charter.
City of Greater
Bendigo
VLGA
Child Friendly
Cities and
Communities
Network
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Three Goals in the Child

Friendly Cities and
Communities Charter
are implemented across
the Municipality.
1-4
6.2.1 Develop and utilise a

Child Friendly Cities lens or
checklist to ensure that
places and spaces within
the City of Greater Bendigo
are designed to allow
children to feel welcome
and safe; to be active and
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Businesses
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Child Friendly Cities

lens or checklist has
been developed and is
utilised in planning of
public spaces.
1-4
them
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
6.2. To enable
children to experience
environments that
respond to their needs
and aspirations.
(Continued)
healthy; and to actively

contribute to their local
environment.
6.2.2 Incorporate safety

features in the design of
public spaces and ensure
that emergency
preparedness and planning
specifically considers
children.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Emergency
services, e.g.
police, fire,
ambulance, State
Emergency
Services (SES)
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Safety features are

incorporated into the
design of public spaces.
Emergency
preparedness and
planning has considered
childrens needs.
1-4
6.3. To enable and

encourage children to
express their opinions
and to participate in
and contribute to
decisions about their
community and their
6.3.1 Develop policies and

processes to ensure that
childrens needs are
investigated and that their
input is actively sought on
all matters that impact
them.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Early Years
Providers
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Policies and processes

are established and
provide for childrens
input.
1-4
6.3.2 Update City of

Greater Bendigos
Community Engagement
Framework to include
specific tools / information
to engage with children.
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.
All relevant City

Units
51
them
52
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
6.3. To enable and

encourage children to
express their opinions
and to participate in
and contribute to
decisions about their
community and their
(Continued)
6.3.3 Conduct annual

workshops encouraging
childrens leadership and
participation in Council
decision making processes.
City of Greater
Bendigo
6.4. To provide
equitable access to
supportive
environments and
services for children,
regardless of gender,
ethnicity, religion or
ability.
6.4.1 Develop and utilise a

Child Friendly Cities lens or
checklist for planning and
auditing of basic services,
activities and events to
ensure that they are safe
and accessible to children.
City of Greater
Bendigo
6.4.2 Actively promote our

communities and services
through various forms of
media as a welcoming
place for children and their
families to live, work and
visit.
City of Greater
Bendigo
Partners
What Success Looks

Like
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
Child friendly cities lens

or checklist has been
developed and is utilised
in planning of services,
activities and events to
ensure safety and
accessibility.
1-4
Early Years
Coordination
Group
Families and
children
Victorian Child
Friendly Cities
and
Communities
Charter 2014
Our communities and

services are promoted
as a welcoming place
for children and their
families to live, work and
visit.
1-4
Relevant
Strategies
them
Objectives
6.4. To provide
equitable access to
supportive
environments and
ability.
(Continued)
Actions
Lead
Organisation
6.4.3 Review Council

polices, strategic plans and
services to ensure that they
are supportive to the needs
of children from all
backgrounds.
City of Greater
Bendigo
6.4.4 Ensure that the City

of Greater Bendigos webbased Child Friendly Cities
information is regularly
updated.
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
What Success Looks

Like
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
them
Objectives
54
Actions
Lead
Organisation
6.4. To provide
equitable access to
supportive
environments and
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
6.5. To incorporate the

needs and rights of
children when
developing City
planning documents
and strategic
directions for the
community.
6.5.1 Ensure that the needs

of children are reflected in
the Greater Bendigo
Human Rights Charter.
City of Greater
Bendigo
6.5.2 Continue to increase

and update the State of
Bendigo Childrens Report
to guide future strategic
planning.
St Lukes
Anglicare
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
Core work
Early Years
Providers
The First Quarter
Early Years
Coordination
Group
What Success Looks

Like
Year
2-4
Positive Ageing
Children at Early
Learning Centres will
have participated in
activities with older
persons.
Greater
Bendigo Human
Rights Charter
2014
Childrens needs are

reflected in the Greater
Bendigo Human Rights
Charter.
The State of
Bendigos
Children Report
2013
The State of Bendigos

Childrens Report is
updated every three
years and is used to
guide strategic planning.
1-4
them
Objectives
Actions
Lead
Organisation
Partners
Relevant
Strategies
What Success Looks

Like
Year
6.6 To facilitate a
broad range of
community based
events for children
and their families.
6.6.1 Facilitate a Childrens

Day as part of National
Aborigines and Islanders
Day Observance
Committee Week.
Bendigo and
District Aboriginal
Co-operative
City of Greater
Bendigo
National Aborigines
and Islanders Day
Observance
Committee
Community
Agencies
Bendigo Health
To be confirmed
Childrens Day is well

supported by children,
families and
organisations.
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
A variety of quality, free

/ low cost activities are
available for children
and their families in the
City each year and are
well supported.
1-4
55
T: (03) 5434 6000

National Relay Service: 133677
then quote 035434 6000
F: (03) 3434 6200
E: requests@bendigo.vic.gov.au
W: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au
Address:
195-229 Lyttleton Terrace,
Bendigo
Postal Address:
PO Box 733 Bendigo VIC 3552

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50

Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 2018

DRAFT ACTION PLAN

Our Early Years Vision:

Greater Bendigo Demographic Profile for Early Years,

Creating the best future for our children

Theme 4: Education and Care for Children.

Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 2018

THEME 1. SAFETY OF CHILDREN ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To develop a safe community for children and their families

What success looks

1.1.1 Seek to have a

The needs of children

1.1.2 Organise and

A range of events that

Creating the best future for our children

THEME 1. SAFETY OF CHILDREN ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To develop a safe community for children and their families

1.1.3 Develop a Family

What success looks

Early Years Services

1.1.4 Develop and

Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 2018

THEME 1. SAFETY OF CHILDREN ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To develop a safe community for children and their families

1.2. To develop safe

What success looks

The Common Risk

1.2.1 Promote and enforce

Childrens play areas

1.2.2 Ensure smoke free

Children protected from

Creating the best future for our children

THEME 1. SAFETY OF CHILDREN ACTION PLAN

Purpose: To develop a safe community for children and their families

1.2. To develop safe

What success looks

1.2.3 Promote emotional

Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 2018

THEME 2. ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN - ACTION PLAN

2.1. To support and

2.1.1 Plan and construct a

What Success Looks

Additional Early Years

2.1.2 Develop an Early

Councils long term

Creating the best future for our children

THEME 2. ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN - ACTION PLAN

2.1. To support and

2.1.3 Assess the feasibility

2.1.4 Enhance and promote

Greater Bendigo Municipal Early Years Plan 2015 - 2018

What Success Looks

Suitable locations for

THEME 2. ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN - ACTION PLAN

2.1. To support and

2.1.5 Encourage the

What Success Looks

Additional Long Day

Maternal and Child

2.1.7 Advocate for the

Creating the best future for our children

THEME 2. ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN - ACTION PLAN