How children are faring in the South Burnett

Cr Danita Potter, Jacqui Groskopf (South Burnett CTC) and Peta Clarkson (Goodstart Early Learning Kingaroy) lead the group that has been meeting since 2017.

The group is guided by the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), a national data collection that takes place every 3 years, with the next collection in 2024. The results help communities look at ways to support families in the early years, as well as be responsive and inclusive of all children as they go through school.

During a recent meeting, the South Burnett Regional Council, Queensland Health and the Department of Education looked at the most recent local AEDC results that showed an increase in vulnerability in children’s development prior to school.

Almost one in three children in the South Burnett start school developmentally vulnerable, compared with one in four children in Queensland. This is a statistic that the group is determined to change through the voice of local communities in how to support families.

Cr Jane Erkens said that she was saddened by the statistics and committed to supporting community action along with her fellow councillors.

The South Burnett Regional Council and the South Burnett Partnerships 4 Kids will be hosting community forums across the South Burnett in March and April to discuss how to help South Burnett children reach their potential. 

Cr Potter has been involved with the planning of the of the forums and hopes that community uptake will be high for the sake of our children’s future.

The forums will be held from 6-7pm (with meet and greet from 5.30pm):

• Murgon Town Hall, 20 March 2023: Register here
• Nanango Cultural Centre, 21 March 2023: Register here
• Wondai Town Hall, 18 April 2023: Register here
• Blackbutt State School Hall, 19 April 2023: Register here
• Kingaroy Town Hall, 20 April 2023: Register here

For more information, contact Cr Danita Potter on 0409 490 175 or div3@sbrc.qld.gov.au