Planning for the needs of our community’s youngest residents

Published on 05 January 2021

There is still time for the community to have its say on Mildura Rural City Council's plan to support the development and care of our region's youngest residents.

The Draft Municipal Early Years Plan 2020-2025 outlines the principles, priorities, goals and strategies to support children from newborns through to eight-year-olds and their families.

The plan is available on Council's Have Your Say page at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay, or in hardcopy by phoning (03) 5018 8100. Feedback can be emailed to earlyyears@mildura.vic.gov.au or posted to Mildura Rural City Council, PO Box 105 Mildura, Victoria 3502.

Feedback can be submitted until this Sunday 10 January 2021.

Mildura Mayor Jason Modica said that once finalised, the plan would guide the specific actions that will deliver a number of place-based, child-friendly and community-strengthening activities.

Cr Modica said the draft plan already reflects the input of its target audience.

"To ensure the plan aligns with what our youngest residents are thinking we collected the voices of more than 450 children aged three to eight throughout our region," he said.

"They told us what they did and didn't like, and what they wanted for the future, which is an important step in developing this plan.

"It's vital that we capture these voices along with local data, as ultimately our children are our region's future, as well as the recipients of the actions and goals contained in the plan.

"Another important element in developing this plan is ensuring we are mindful of the changing needs of children and their families along their life course from antenatal care, to infancy and throughout childhood."

Cr Modica said the draft plan was a collaborative effort.

"While Council delivers a number of direct services for children and families, this plan is very much a result of working with a number of community partners with the common focus on creating a community where families and children can thrive," he said.

"Our valuable community partners provided active feedback and joint decision-making around key partnerships, program development and delivery, and advocacy."

For more information contact Council's Community Care Services Transition Coordinator Michelle Thompson on (03) 5018 8100.

ENDS