Go Goldfields named finalists in Victorian Early Years Awards
Published on 25 September 2024
Central Goldfields Shire’s Go Goldfields team have been named a finalist in two categories of the Department of Education Victorian Early Years Awards.
The awards – to be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 7 November - celebrate the outstanding work of our early childhood professionals to improve the health, learning, development and wellbeing of Victorian children and their families.
Awards are presented across nine categories with Go Goldfields a finalist in the following:
- Continuity of Early Learning - Great Start to School Program
- Supporting Parents to Build their Capacity and Confidence –The Nest
Central Goldfields Shire Interim CEO and representative on the Go Goldfields Leadership Table Sally Jones said she was proud to see the work of Go Goldfields publicly recognised and celebrated.
“We are fortunate to have some fantastic local leaders working together, to provide children with the best start to life in the Central Goldfields Shire.
“Our Go Goldfields team provide the coordination, research and advocacy to best support these leaders in their role and their work is ensuring that every child in the Central Goldfields Shire, has every chance to grow up safe, healthy and confident.
“The Great Start to School Program is a partnership program introduced to improve educational outcomes for local children.
“It’s a unique program that has culminated in the creation a comprehensive, shire-wide approach to early years’ transitions, focusing on knowledge sharing between educators and teachers.
“The Nest has established itself as a popular, welcoming space for parents and carers. It focuses on building confident and capable parents with regular drop-in sessions and events offered in a relaxed setting for families to connect, fostering a strong sense of community that is essential during early parenting.
“Being named a finalist across two categories is due recognition of the importance of the work of Go Goldfields in our community with The Great Start to School Program and The Nest just two examples of their valuable work.
“We know that through working closely with families from pregnancy through to primary school – we can make a difference. That’s why we continue to advocate to State and Federal Government for the funding and resources we need to ensure the work of Go Goldfields can continue to have an impact in our community.”
To find out more about the Awards and the other finalists visit www.vic.gov.au/finalists-veya
Background information
Great Start to School Program
The Great Start to School Program (GSTS) is delivered in partnership with Central Goldfields Shire Council, Maryborough District Health Service, Best Start, Loddon Early Childhood Improvement Branch and all Central Goldfields kindergartens and schools.
The program was launched through multi-sector workshops to improve educational outcomes for children in the Goldfields Shire, an area with significant socio-economic disadvantage and vulnerability.
The initiative, developed by the Department of Education, Central Goldfields Early Learning and Kindergarten Services, and Go Goldfields, with input from local schools and parents, addresses high levels of developmental vulnerabilities in social, emotional, communication, and language skills among children starting school.
GSTS created a comprehensive, shire-wide approach to early years’ transitions, focusing on knowledge sharing between educators and teachers. This approach provides insights into each child's learning style, interests, and developmental milestones, enabling tailored support and personalised learning experiences from the start of school.
The program’s collaborative and coordinated approach provides a cohesive support system that maximises every child’s potential as they transition through their foundation years.
The Nest
The Nest is a partnership with Regional Development Victoria, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Maryborough District Health Service, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
The Nest, located in Central Goldfields, provides a welcoming space for parents and carers in Maryborough and nearby areas facing socio-economic challenges.
Situated in a bright, friendly hub, The Nest focuses on building confident and capable parents. Services range from childbirth education and breastfeeding support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family meet-ups. Regular drop-in sessions and events provide a relaxed setting for families to connect, fostering a strong sense of community that is essential during early parenting.
The Nest emphasises meeting parents where they are, allowing them to seek support at their own pace. This patient, respectful approach has led to high return visits and over 900 soft referrals to other services and local supports. By creating a safe and supportive environment, The Nest ensures that parents don’t navigate early parenting challenges alone, making a significant positive impact on the community.