HRCC adopts Municipal Early Years Plan 2024-2028

Published on 31 May 2024

Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) adopted the Municipal Early Years Plan 2024-2028 at this week’s May Council meeting.

The plan, which was open for community feedback for five weeks, aims to provide strategic direction for services in the municipality for children aged 10 and under.

It replaces the 2019-2023 version of the plan, with an increased focus on the shortage long day. 

The new plan also reflects the changing population with unique family structures, specific health and economic challenges and health indicators pointing to areas requiring targeted interventions.

HRCC provides maternal health and child nurse services, supported playgroups, library and immunisation programs and also advocates for improved early years services that are delivered in the private sector.

One of the issues most raised during the council’s engagement with parents, children, and stakeholders was childcare, including the attraction and retention of staff.

Community members also addressed a lack of access to health and specialist services and the need for improved community-wide advocacy.

Mayor Robyn Gulline highlighted the importance of the plan in providing children and their families with the best possible foundation for life-long success.

“The plan is no silver bullet, but it does provide a positive plan for the future,” Cr Gulline said.

She applauded the comprehensive workshops and community engagements that informed the plan.

“Thank you to everyone who worked to help develop our Early Years Plan, in particular community members who provided their feedback on the draft plan,” Cr Gulline said.

“We listened to parents, children, carers, agencies, grandparents and others who touch the lives of our children.

We look forward to working with families, government, community organisations and service agencies to achieve great outcomes for our community,” she said.