Local governments are getting behind a new early years strategy to guide the healthy development of children.
The City of Bunbury, Shire of Dardanup and Shire of Capel have thrown their support behind the creation of a document, which will serve as a guide for children’s early years.
The establishment of the Bunbury Geographe Early Years Strategy and Action Plan has been made possible through a $20,000 State Government grant.
The three local governments will collaborate with state government and not-for-profit agencies to develop a strategy, which will create a multi-disciplinary framework across the three areas.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said he was happy the project was a collaborative approach and looked forward to actioning the plan once complete.
“This strategy is a first for Bunbury and the surrounding LGA’s and is to ensure our young people are given the best start to life,” he said.
“Together we will facilitate and support all major stakeholders in the children services sector to carry out identified actions in the strategy.”
The plan is aimed at targeting and intervening in young people’s lives and development which can produce significant long-term social and economic benefits.
Edith Cowan University will also be involved in the project.
The university will work with Bunbury, Capel and Dardanup as well community groups such as Investing in Our Youth, the Early Years Network, local schools and other organisations with an early years focus.
The project will be driven by community participation, ownership, empowerment and inclusion and will be closely linked with other strategies like the Community Safety Crime Prevention Plan.