Connected Beginnings is an Australian Government Department of Education program that seeks to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children the best start in life. In early 2024, Barang was selected as the 42nd and 43rd Connected Beginnings sites, covering both the Wyong and Gosford regions.

yagunda baranggu – today for tomorrow, Darkinyung Language.

Scroll down to access links for Aboriginal organisations and Central Coast services that can provide information on programs and support for our gudjagang.

yagunda baranggu
today for tomorrow

Connected Beginnings

What is Connected Beginnings?

The Connected Beginnings program draws upon the strength and knowledge of our community to improve access to existing early childhood, maternal and child health and family support services to ensure children are safe, healthy and ready to thrive at school by the age of five.

Who is the program for?

The aim of the program is to provide a great start for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from birth to 5 years of age, by improving their wellbeing prior to school, with a specific focus across education, health and family services.

The program will work to integrate local support services so children and families can access culturally appropriate support services, including:

maternal and child health
early childhood education and care
family support
preschools and schools
local government and
council support

Empowering and Supporting Families

As a Connected Beginnings ‘backbone organisation’, Barang will support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to overcome the barriers that prevent their children from receiving high-quality, culturally-enriching Early Childhood Education.

Working in collaboration with Early Learning services and community organisations, Barang will offer a range of programs – including workshops, Educational initiatives, and peer support groups – all with the aim of improving Educational and Health outcomes for Aboriginal children between birth and school age. The program will also seek to empower Aboriginal caregivers to advocate for their children’s needs, including through ensuring access to appropriate Health and developmental screening services.

Head to Get involved to find out more about how Connected Beginnings can support your family.

Addressing Barriers to Educational Success

Through the Connected Beginnings program, Barang will also work to identify and map the Early Years Educational needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families on the Central Coast, and collaborate with the community, service providers and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to co-design solutions to key issues. Areas of focus will include:

Maternal and Child Health for Aboriginal families.
Integrating Aboriginal worldviews and Darkinyung language into Early Learning programs.
Ensuring Early Years Education programs are culturally inclusive and safe.

Connecting Early Learning service providers with local Elders and the broader Aboriginal community to enable authentic cultural insights.

What is our role?

Barang Regional Alliance, along with our Health Partner Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services will deliver the Connected Beginnings program for the Central Coast. We will collaborate with service providers to link families with services they need to ensure our children are healthy, strong and ready for school.