Council has embarked on the development of a comprehensive four-year Municipal Early Years and Children's Plan, focusing on supporting families and children aged 0-12 in our community.
Project Overview
The Municipal Early Years and Children's Plan will serve as a strategic roadmap for Council's approach to early childhood development and family support over the next four years. This initiative underscores Council's commitment to creating a nurturing environment where our children can thrive, and families can access the support they need.
Community Engagement
Council is committed to engaging with residents and stakeholders when making decisions that impact the community. To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive plan, the following engagement activities were conducted:
- One-on-One Consultations: In-depth discussions with Council staff, local schools, childcare providers, and health and social services representatives to gather detailed insights and perspectives.
- Community-Wide Survey: A comprehensive survey to capture the diverse views and needs of our community.
- Additional Engagement Activities: Further activities, such as pop ups, listening sessions, and workshops were organised to ensure a wide range of voices are heard and incorporated into the plan.
Have Your Say Survey
Council invited the community to complete the online survey which was open from Wednesday 13 November until Friday 20 December 2024. Thank you to everyone who completed a survey.
Council has now extended the survey until Friday 7 February to collect more responses and ensure all voices are heard.
Listening Sessions
Ninety Mile Consulting (NMC) conducted a series of listening sessions on with the Smythesdale Supported Playgroup, Cape Clear Primary School and Teesdale Kindergarten in November 2024 as part of the Golden Plains Shire Council's Municipal Early Years and Children's Plan.
These sessions are an opportunity to hear directly from children and students about their challenges, needs, and aspirations, informing a plan that supports their growth and well-being.
Community Workshop
Council, in partnership with Ninety Mile Consulting, hosted a Community Workshop on Monday 9 December 2024 as part of the development of the Municipal Early Years and Children’s Plan.
The workshop brought together diverse voices from our community and selected key stakeholders to discuss challenges facing children and families in Golden Plains and co-design solutions that address the needs of children.
Next Steps
Council will continue to develop the Municipal Early Years and Children's Plan using the feedback community consultation and will provide an update in early 2025.
Contact Information
For any questions about the development of the Municipal Early Years and Children's Plan, please contact Lyndall Galbraith at Golden Plains Shire Council on 5220 7111 or email [email protected].