Network News

Join us for an hour-long workshop on Creating Financial Goals with Victor Khuu, Financial Education Program Manager at FERN, Financial Empowerment and Resilience Network. More details can be found below under "HIPPY Training for April - June" section.

All the details, templates, and important information is being sent out this week. For any questions, please reach out to your Site Advisor.

All data collected between 1 Jan and 31 Mar must be entered into ETO immediately.

DEX Close date was 14 April, so ensure you communicate additional information to HIPPYAustraliaETOSupport@bsl.org.au .

Ensure that you've been in contact with your CoP group for the month of April.

Distribution

We are pleased to announce that all remaining curriculum support materials have been dispatched to sites. Only three sites’ materials are still on the road while the rest have been delivered, or a delivery has been attempted.

If you have not yet received your hats, scissors, pencils, sharpeners, pencil cases and stickers, you can check on the order’s status by contacting hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au

Your feedback is being documented to map the process and to refine it for the following year.

HIPPY Australia recently received confirmation that DSS has approved the Site Catchment Review recommendations that were provided to them as part of the work of external consultants Predictive Analytic Groups (PAG).

PAG used the insights provided by sites along with other data instruments such as comparative Census data, AEDC (Australian Early Development Census) and SEIFA (Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas).

An overview of the Site Catchment Review
The Site Catchment Review aimed to:

• confirm current HIPPY sites operate in disadvantaged communities
• review catchment boundaries to achieve better recruitment and retention results
• ensure HIPPY locations were suitable and to identify any alternative locations within approved SA3s and new possible SA3s in areas of need
• conduct community mapping in current HIPPY sites to ensure that HIPPY is a complimentary service where there is need and interest for early childhood services.

Recommendations to DSS

Using the PAG report, along with insights and submissions from the Network, HIPPY Australia made a number of recommendations to DSS. Our recommendations were that:

• 20 sites have their Catchment Area expanded
• 5 sites have their designation changed to non-focused
• 4 sites have their designation changed to focused

DSS approved recommendations

HIPPY Australia recently received confirmation from DSS that the recommendations have been approved and take effect immediately. We have communicated to all sites affected by the changes. Over the next few weeks, the HIPPY Australia website will be updated to reflect these changes.

Questions or suggestions?

If you have questions about any suggestions for Catchment Area changes not being included in the recommendations to DSS, please contact hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au .

Preservice Coordinator training

We recently welcomed and trained eleven new Coordinators from across the country including: Palm Island, Whyalla, Broome, Mowanjum Derby, Deception Bay, Riverland, Rockhampton and Yurrwi.
As always, we had a great time and didn't realise how quickly the online sessions on March 25, 27 turned into the in-person April dates.

Here we are at our two days of face-to-face PSCT workshops in Melbourne, April 1-2.
We wrapped up with the final online session on April 8.

Recap on the Navigating Services Australia (Centrelink) webinar

In March we hosted our first webinar for the year where Sam Hugill from the SEED Project walked us through Navigating Service Australia (Centrelink). 36 participants attended the session on the day, while many more registered an expressed interest to view the recording later. The session covered aspects of:

• Your rights
• Navigating self-service
• Where to get help
• Different types of payments

Interested in viewing the recording?

A recording of this webinar can be found on the Learning Management System (LMS) in the News & Important information: Webinar series where you will also find a document on answers to questions posed during the webinar.

Want to know more?

In addition, you may find the series of online learning courses on myGov useful, which steps you through how to safely set up a myGov account, linking services, claiming Medicare, and understanding your health record.

👉 resource sheet for families is now available.
The webinar discussed Community Help Clinics, as a service, was discussed during the webinar.

The state-based resource sheet is a collection of services like Centrelink form assistance and legal advice supporting individuals and families.

HIPPY parents often share how much they value the one-on-one time the program gives them with their child. As their child’s first teacher, they’re already laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning: often without even realising it. HIPPY’s focus on anywhere learning means the home, the backyard, a local park, or a quiet walk to the shops can all become rich learning environments.

Spending time outdoors together, especially through unstructured, child-led play, creates meaningful moments for connection and curiosity. Nature offers more than just fresh air. It can improve children’s (and the parent’s) mood, sleep, creativity, resilience and overall wellbeing. Even simple activities like searching for bugs, exploring how what is in the gaps of tree bark, looking under rock, watching critters move, collecting and counting leaves, or imagining stories all foster emotional growth, problem solving, and cooperation.

Children of all temperaments (whether shy or adventurous) tune into learning that’s led by their interests, in ways that feel safe, joyful, and grounding. And nature play supports this need: The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) highlights the benefits of nature play, and how it supports young children’s development.

👉 Download the flyer
(Source: Australian Institute of Family Studies)

HIPPY’s anywhere learning is a natural fit with these principles, showing how powerful learning can be when we follow the child’s lead, in everyday spaces, together.

Exciting Update: Streamlined January-June Reports!

We've heard your feedback and made some changes! The January-June Line Manager and Coordinator reports have been updated based on your input.

We've reduced the number of questions to match the July-December reports, making them quicker and easier to complete.

Important Dates:

• SUBMISSION DUE: 14 July
• TIP: Download the Microsoft Word documents from the Online Library and fill them out gradually.

Thank you for your continued cooperation!

My HIPPY Journey - a powerful tool that motivates families to continue their HIPPY Journey

We are excited to announce a new report in ETO, called My HIPPY Journey, available in the Families report category. This report is designed to support and encourage families throughout their two-year HIPPY Journey by showcasing their progress and achievements.

Purpose of the Report

The My HIPPY Journey report helps families see how they have gained confidence and skills, providing a meaningful way to reflect on their journey. It also emphasizes data sovereignty, allowing families to access and understand their own data.

What the Report Shows

• PACK DELIVERIES: Number of pack deliveries for each family.
• HIPPY GATHERINGS: Attendance records for HIPPY Gatherings.
• OUTCOME AREA RECORDS: HIPPY Journey records for the 'Children, Families, and Communities Outcome Area'.

This report is a valuable tool to motivate families to continue and complete their HIPPY Journey.

We are thrilled to share the achievements of the 2023 graduating cohort for HIPPY. The data collected over the two years reveals a significant level of positive outcomes for families after participating in the HIPPY program:

These figures highlight the dedication and hard work of both the families and the HIPPY Sites - The diligent collection and entry of program data is key to demonstrating these evidence-based results.

Let's celebrate these achievements!

HIPPY Wyong (NSW) demonstrated an exceptional example of community engagement through their thoughtfully designed Age 4 Gatherings focused on creating meaningful experiences for families.

In their recent Lizard 5 Gathering, they featured a creative collage activity that built on children's previous experiences with natural materials while providing staff opportunities to implement Behaviour Specific Praise techniques. What makes these Gatherings particularly effective is the growing sense of connection developing among HIPPY families, evident in the "positive buzz and energy" as parents sit together, share experiences, and form supportive relationships.

The center's welcoming environment encourages cultural sharing, as seen when one family proudly displayed treasured painted rocks created by a child's grandmother and aunt, connecting home traditions with the HIPPY curriculum. This deliberate community-building approach strengthens family bonds while enhancing participants' capacity as they progress through their HIPPY journey.

Building Digital Literacy

We’re excited to share a valuable opportunity to support HIPPY Tutors in Victoria through BSL’s Digital Literacy Program, available as part of our broader participant services.

This free training, currently held in-person at the Hume Thrive Hub (with online options available), is designed to build foundational digital skills and boost confidence in using technology.
Tutors will learn to navigate the internet, use MyGov, complete online forms, explore job sites, access Zoom/Teams, manage emails, and use Microsoft Office programs.
These workshops support Tutors' future aspirations, whether pursuing further education, employment in Early Years, or community roles.

As BSL-delivered program participants, all Victorian HIPPY Tutors are eligible for this service.

Action for Coordinators:

* Discuss this opportunity with your Tutors and encourage participation for those seeking to enhance their digital confidence
* Help Tutors understand how these practical skills will benefit both their current HIPPY work and future career pathways

For more information or to refer a Tutor, please contact Lisa directly to move it forward for your Tutors or discuss the opportunity with your Site Advisor.

Sessions are delivered in small groups by Lisa's friendly and skilled digital literacy volunteer trainer team.

Lisa Accadia Volunteer Coordinator - Digital Literacy

Contact E: lisa.accadia@bsl.org.au | M:+61 482 161 865 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

While this is an exclusive offering to BSL participants in Victoria, we look forward to sharing insights from this model, so that it can be adapted by other HIPPY providers independently or through partnerships with local councils across different states.

May 7 Webinar - Creating Financial Goals with Victor Khuu

Join us for an hour-long workshop on Creating Financial Goals with Victor Khuu, Financial Education Program Manager at FERN, Financial Empowerment and Resilience Network.

The session presents an opportunity to understand more about FERN workshops and the possibility of taking this knowledge to you Tutors and HIPPY families.

As an introductory session, Victor is presenting FERN’s most sought-after webinar, Creating Financial Goals. A goal is a dream with a plan and this workshop goes over the process of how to set SMART financial goals and achieve them.

The workshop helps people learn about:

• Learn about SMART Goals and how to set them in relation to their finances
• Paying Yourself First! Discover how to put your savings away so that it starts to build and grow
• Spending Habits - Understand how you spend your money. Is it on what you 'Need' or 'Want'?
• Track Your Spending - Learn where your money goes

Time scheduled after the webinar for questions and the opportunity to explore future topics.

Webinar Details

Centre for Community Child Health

The Centre for Community Child Health is a department of the Royal Children's Hospital and a research group of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. To read more about the resources and training available through the Centre for Community Child Health, click on their latest Newsletter .

Blue Knot Foundation

The Blue Knot Foundation is a dedicated to building a trauma-informed professional community. Blue Knot seeks to upskill people who work with people who have experienced trauma as well as providing support for professionals to stay healthy and well and create safety in services and organisations. Visit their website for more information and information about the training they provide. Follow the link for information about online training they provide Blue Knot Foundation - Training for Individuals online

Get your community prepared for the federal election

The 2025 federal election is around the corner, happening on Saturday 3 May.

Ahead of the upcoming Australian federal election, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)'s Stop and Consider campaign offers an excellent set of videos and resources to support informed and democratically responsible voting - supporting information literacy learning across the community.

The AEC has a wide range of resources to support all Australian's eligible to vote. These resources are easy to read and are available in many languages. The AEC will continue to update resources during the election for people to understand including the potential danger of AI in election communication.

Check out the resources

• An easy-to-understand slide presentation - Community engagement: Presentation slides [PDF 1.9MB]
• Factsheet - stop and consider
• A voter guide to campaigning - Voter Guide to Campaigning
• Voting explainers via uTube AECTV
• Information about AI and elections - AI & elections

Visit the website

Visit the AECs website for more information about where to vote, how to vote, your candidates and much more - 2025 federal election - Saturday 3 May

The Mother’s Day date in Australia is the second Sunday of May each year. Australian is credited with having started the tradition of giving gifts on Mother's Day: Janet Heyden, a resident of Leichhardt Sydney, started a campaign in 1924 to collect gifts for lonely, aged mothers.

Source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/australia/mother-day

National Families Week seeks to celebrate the vital role that families play in Australian communities.

Visit: National Families Week – An initiative of Families Australia

Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) promotes dialogue, awareness, and education about digital access and inclusion for the more than one billion people worldwide with disabilities. Digital accessibility ensures people with disabilities/impairments can independently use and/or interact with digital applications and content, including websites and mobile apps.

For insights into current web accessibility trends and challenges, explore WebAIM's annual report, The WebAIM Million .

Source: https://accessibility.day/

IDAHOBIT commemorates May 17, 1990. This is a landmark day when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from the Classification of Diseases. While we celebrate this milestone and subsequent advancements in LGBTQIA+ equality, we draw a reminder to how recently these changes occurred in our shared history. Since the first IDAHOBIT held in 2005, its acknowledgement and observance has grown to engage millions of people globally - celebrating progress while also raising awareness about the ongoing challenges LGBTQIA+ people continue to face till date.

Source: https://www.idahobit.org.au/news/the-history-of-IDAHOBIT-may-17

The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Parliament. The Bringing Them Home report is a result of a Government Inquiry into the past policies which caused children to be removed from their families and communities in the 20^th century.

Source: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-sorry-day-2020/

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs from 27 May to 3 June. This year’s theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’ which urges everyone to look ahead and continue the push forward, guided by past lessons.