Network News - December

Reminder: End of Age 3 and Graduation journeys submission required to be completed before 31 December 2025.

Current sites may request an extension until 14 January 2026. Please contact the ETO Helpdesk at HIPPYAustraliaETOSupport@bsl.org.au if you require this option.

The July-December Line Manager Report and Coordinator Report are due on or before 14 January 2026.
Early submission before the cut-off date is welcome and can be started immediately.

The cut-off date for the October-December 2025 quarter is 14 January 2026. All ETO data for this period must be finalized by this date, including:

• Family and child enrolments
• Home visit records
• Staff exit touchpoints for any staff departing the HIPPY program

If you have not yet submitted your December invoice, please action this at your earliest convenience to ensure timely processing.

For questions, please contact HIPPYAustralia@bsl.org.au .

Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line.

Thank you to sites that submitted in December. Submissions are due by Friday, 30 January 2026.

Prioritising the safeguarding of children is a crucial part of HIPPY Australia and the Provider Networks’ continuing shared commitment to the safety and well-being of children across Australia.

To successfully submit your organisation’s Annual Statement of Safeguarding Compliance you will need to submit both the documentary evidence and the completed declaration to HIPPYAustralia@bsl.org.au by Friday, 30 January 2026

The Annual Statement of Safeguarding Compliance form link was mailed to you, along with the completion Guide , and LMS (Learning Management System) Course Overview in November.

For questions, please contact HIPPYAustralia@bsl.org.au .

Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line.

Biannual actuals for the July-Dec 2025 period are due by 14 February 2026.

In the November HIPPY Network News , HIPPY Australia shared with the network that we recently met with CEOs and their delegates to participate in a consultation discussion about the future of HIPPY and our upcoming proposal to the Department of Social Services (DSS). We also talked about the 2026 Sublicence and Funding Agreements (SFAs) and budget for sites.

Following those consultation sessions, the 2026 SFAs were sent out to the majority of sites.

Since then, HIPPY Australia has received a number of enquiries about the sublicences and budgets for 2026 so we provide for your reference some FAQs which we hope might be useful as we move into the new year.

Q: Why is the HIPPY Sublicence and Funding Agreement for only one year?
A: HIPPY Australia’s current five-year Grant Agreement with the Department of Social Services is due to expire at the end of FY27 (June 2027). HIPPY Australia is therefore issuing sublicence and funding agreements for Jan - Dec 2026 only. We appreciate that this may create some uncertainty for site providers and families. Please be reassured that we are working closely with DSS and are confident of negotiating a new contract for beyond FY27.

Q: What does this mean for 3-year-old children and their families who are enrolling to commence HIPPY in 2026?
A: While we understand that the current situation is not ideal, we are committed to engaging further with the government with the expectation that children commencing in 2026 will be able to complete their 4-year-old program in 2027 under a new sublicence and funding agreement. DSS have signalled their intention to provide us with details of any new contract by 30 June 2026. HIPPY Australia anticipates being able to share this information with site providers in the second half of 2026.

Q: What does this mean for recruitment of Tutors?
A: HIPPY Australia encourages site providers to consider recruiting Tutors on one-year contracts, with an in-principle commitment to a second year of employment, pending confirmation from DSS that funding will continue beyond 2026. However, organisations should consult their own HR department and/or refer to the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) under which Tutors are employed before making any decisions. HIPPY Australia unfortunately cannot advise organisations on their specific employment obligations. This information is provided as general guidance only.

Q: Are sites receiving the same funding in 2026 as they did in 2025?
A: HIPPY Australia have been able to provide an approximately 3% increase on the amount of funding provided to sites compared with last year. HIPPY Australia continues to advocate for additional program funding to alleviate the effects of compounded inflation on operational costs. For sites that are concerned about the level of funding and program delivery, please contact your Site Advisor to facilitate a more detailed discussion.

Q: Why hasn’t DSS indexed funding for the HIPPY Program?
A: HIPPY Australia continues to advocate for additional program funding to alleviate the effects of compounded inflation on operational costs. We recognise the challenges that this may present for site operations and remain committed to supporting sites through these discussions.

Q: If sites reach recruitment and retention targets will performance payments be made?
A: Performance payments are not guaranteed and are subject to the availability of funding. If funding is available, sites that meet the required targets may be eligible for a performance payment. Eligibility will be based on achieving the recruitment target for the current Age 3 cohort and the retention target for the most recently graduated cohort. HIPPY Australia will contact eligible sites directly.

Q: How will I be able to create a FY26/27 budget if I don’t know the amount of funding in 2027?
A: HIPPY Australia will advise sites of the 2027 funding allocations once DSS confirms any new contract and funding arrangements beyond June 2027. This confirmation is anticipated by June 2026.
If DSS confirms funding arrangements by April 2026, HIPPY Australia will require site providers to submit a full FY27 budget as per standard practice. These budgets will be due by 14 May 2026.
If DSS has not confirmed funding arrangements by the end of April 2026, HIPPY Australia will instead request a 6-month budget covering July to December 2026. This interim budget will also be due by 14 May 2026.

Are you passionate about making a difference in health and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities? Applications are now open for the 2026 Indigenous Health Scholarship Program (IHSP)!

Delivered in partnership with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), this program provides financial support and culturally responsive mentoring to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students succeed in health careers.

The Albanese Government is investing $1 million over two years, supporting up to 80 scholarships annually. Each 2026 recipient will receive up to $5,000, paid in two instalments per semester, to help cover everyday study costs like books and stationery - making it easier to complete qualifications in medicine, nursing, allied health, and more.

For the first time, the program is managed by a First Nations-led organisation.

IAHA offers culturally safe support and mentoring, improving retention and graduation rates for students. This change reflects Closing the Gap reforms that prioritise shared decision-making and strengthen the community-controlled sector, while contributing to education targets that ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential.

The IHSP has been empowering students for over 23 years, supporting careers in medicine, nursing, midwifery, psychology, physiotherapy, paramedicine, and biomedical science.

Applications close 15 February 2026.

Find out more about eligibility and how to apply: Indigenous Health Scholarship Program

Curriculum kitting and packing continues on track with the mid-January 2026 distribution target.

Following the recent communication about the FY24/25 surplus evaluation process sent on 02 DEC, we want to thank all sites that submitted their Annual Financial Reports on time.

Eligible sites have now been contacted regarding their surplus rollover status. Our team is currently reviewing surplus proposals and working through the evaluation process. Sites can expect further communication about their specific circumstances in the coming weeks.

If you have questions about your site's surplus status or proposal, please contact hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au .

HIPPY Australia continues its partnership with Goodstart Early Learning to support Tutors considering career goals for 2026. This collaboration may provide Tutors with pathways to employment and traineeship opportunities in early childhood education.

What's changing:

• Cease using the QR code for all applications immediately
• Direct all inquiries to the designated Talent Acquisition Lead via the process below
• Coordinators are requested to provide a list of any Tutors who previously applied via the QR code to assist in prioritizing their applications
• Send the Tutor list directly to hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au (Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line)

The Process moving forward:

• Email: creekers@goodstart.org.au
• Subject line: HIPPY Applicant - [Insert Tutor Name]
• Email body: Tutors should indicate their interest in potential roles with Goodstart

Thank you for your support in sharing this update with your team. This approach is intended to address identified gaps and support the application process for Tutors.

The new Incorporating First Nations Languages and the First Nations Language Toolkit module are now Live on the LMS.

The HIPPY Australia First Nations Language Toolkit is now supported by a new online module, making it easier for sites to engage with the Toolkit and work with their communities to advance the use of local First Nations languages.

The module has been designed to support Coordinators building relationships and considering opportunities to incorporate First Nations languages, but is also accessible to interested Tutors.

Find the new module in the Coordinator training and in the Tutor training self-paced learning courses.

• Coord training link: https://bsl.instructure.com/courses/144/pages/welcome-to-your-coordinator-training-course
• Tutor training link: https://bsl.instructure.com/courses/145

As the 2024 cohort celebrates the conclusion of their HIPPY Journey and the 2025 cohort start gearing up for their final year, we take a moment to reflect on the strong outcomes that HIPPY fosters in building and nurturing relationships between parents and children.

The data tells a powerful story:

• 99% of families reported feeling closer and connecting better with their child. Showcasing a positive parent-child relationship is the cornerstone of a supportive home learning environment
• 97% of families reported a high level of confidence with using everywhere learning by the end of Age 3 or Age 4
• 97% of families reported learning valuable new skills and knowledge through HIPPY
• 49% of families reported increased ease in using diverse teaching approaches with their child

These outcomes remind us why HIPPY matters and the lasting impact we create together.

As we look ahead to the new year, now is an ideal time for Coordinators to refresh their knowledge of key resources available on the Canvas LMS. These materials are designed to support your site in strengthening program delivery across all areas.

Essential documents to review for 2026 are:

• HIPPY Australia Sublicence and Funding Agreement
• HIPPY Operations Guide
• HIPPY ETO Manual
• Respecting your privacy: HIPPY Australia collection notice for families
• Coordinator quick guide

Need help locating these or other LMS resources? Contact ETO Support at: ETOHIPPYSupport@bsl.org.au

Are you working with families who want to make their money go further? Saver Plus is a free program designed to help people on lower incomes build strong savings habits and feel more confident with their finances. When participants complete the program, ANZ will match their savings up to $500 for education-related costs like school uniforms, books, laptops, or courses. It’s a practical way to support families and students in planning for education expenses while learning valuable financial skills.

Why Refer Families and Students?

• It’s free and easy to join
• Proven impact - participants who completed the program have reported:
  • 87% feel more in control of their finances
  • 84% keep saving years later
  • 74% grow their overall savings and assets
• Builds financial confidence that lasts
• Up to $500 in matched savings

Refer a Family Today: Help families unlock up to $500 in matched savings for education and give them the tools to build financial confidence that lasts.

Start referring now via the website link or call 1300 610 355 for more information.

Advantaged Thinking is a framework for HIPPY Coordinators and Tutors that prioritises strengths, capabilities, and opportunities over limitations

For HIPPY Coordinators and Tutors: Career Coaching with Advantaged Thinking

This is a two-part online workshop is designed for HIPPY Coordinators and Tutors

• Coordinators explore ways to apply this approach to support Tutors in planning for the future.
• Tutors can consider career options beyond HIPPY and discuss practical ideas to prepare for next steps.

More about the workshop

• Approaches that may help Tutors identify career pathways that build on their strengths
• Tools that can support goal setting and planning
• Ideas for supporting transitions into jobs or training beyond HIPPY
• Techniques for mentoring and career counselling that encourage long-term success

Details:
• Dates: Wednesday, 18 February and Wednesday, 25 February
• Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM AEDT
• Format: Online workshop
• Audience: Coordinators and Tutors

Please hold both dates in your calendar. A formal invitation with login details will follow in early January.

The Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) offers a range of professional development opportunities that may be relevant for HIPPY Coordinators and staff working in early childhood and family support.

Free webinar recordings now available: The National Child and Family Hubs Network has made several 2025 webinars available for viewing, including:

• APR: Acting for Children
• JUN: The 'Glue': The Key to Unlocking the Potential of Child and Family Hubs
  
• JUL: Launching the Voice of the Child
• AUG: Understanding the 2024 AEDC results: Where to next?
• OCT Webinar: Connected Care for Thriving Kids

These recordings provide valuable insights into connected care approaches, child and family hubs, and understanding AEDC data; all relevant to strengthening family engagement and support.

Paid training opportunities: CCCH's 2026 online workshops, courses, and Communities of Practice are now available for registration. Topics cover a range of early childhood and family support areas. For full details and pricing, visit: Learn - Centre for Community Child Health

Sites interested in exploring these professional development options should review the offerings and determine suitability for their staff needs.

As Clare Seddon, Head of HIPPY Australia, notes, "Seeing the joy on children's faces and the pride in the eyes of their parents and carers is forever a powerful reminder of how the program continues to change lives."

The 2025 graduation season has reflected this spirit, with sites across Australia celebrating strong achievements while creatively engaging their communities, MPs, Councillors, and local media.
A worthy mention would be HIPPY Palmerston holding their graduation on Monday evening, despite a category 2 cyclone that damaged the community over the weekend. The graduation season highlights the collaborative nature of the program, with Families, Tutors, and communities contributing to each child's school readiness.

Key Insights:

MP/VIP Engagement: At least 13 sites secured attendance from Federal MPs, State MPs, or local government representatives, demonstrating strong political engagement and program visibility. Where MPs were unable to attend graduations, a couple sent letters of support or voice messages, while others committed to visiting sites in the new year to experience HIPPY firsthand during program Gatherings.

West Ipswich, Dandenong, and Hervey Bay each welcomed multiple MPs or Councillors to their graduation ceremonies.

Media Coverage: At least 9 sites achieved traditional media coverage (print, online, TV, or radio), with several generating multiple articles across different publications.

HIPPY Eastlakes' interview was featured on ABC News Radio and Statewide Mornings across NSW, with potential national reach through ABC's radio content network.

Creative Approaches: Sites demonstrated innovation in graduation formats (zoo venues, cinema venues, combined events, themed decorations, cultural performances) and in promotional strategies (video campaigns, sun-safety messaging, social media engagement).

Community Impact: The graduation season showcased HIPPY's reach across urban, regional, and remote communities, with hundreds of families celebrated and thousands of community members engaged through events and media coverage.

The following represent a selection of recent site activities and milestones:

• Upper Ross: Emma and team have been having fun with creating engaging videos and reels. Check out their sun-safety themed video campaign for recruitment
• Whittlesea: All the graduating 2025 children featured in a video singing the Indigenous nursery rhyme " Inanay "
• HIPPY Geraldton: Alicia received the 2025 People’s Choice Award at the Midwest Early Years Network Awards
• HIPPY Deception Bay: Melissa & team successfully delivered the Site's inaugural Graduation, which was attended by the local Councillor and MP
• While Port Stephens Family and Neighbourhood Services delivered the final HIPPY Graduation after over a decade in the community. HIPPY will remain available to the Port Stephens Families through Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation

These snapshots reflect a portion of recent site Graduations, and additional updates are scheduled for the February 2026 newsletter.

As HIPPY Midland transitions to Koya in 2026, we celebrate Lydoeun's meaningful contribution and the lasting impact her work will have for Cambodian families across Australia. These translated Animal Fact Sheets will be available in 2026 on the LMS for all sites supporting Khmer-speaking families.

Thank you, Lydoeun, for sharing your skills and dedication with the HIPPY community. And thank you, Penny, for supporting this wonderful initiative.

My journey with HIPPY has changed my life in many positive ways you could not ever imagine
~ Lydoeun Sophy, HIPPY Midland Tutor

This date acknowledges the survival and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples following colonization.

It's a day to stand in solidarity with First Nations communities, recognize the ongoing impacts of colonization, and honor the strength and continuation of the world's oldest living cultures. Many HIPPY sites support local community events and reflections on this significant day.

On this day in 2008, the Australian Government formally apologized to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, for the laws, policies, and practices that inflicted profound grief, suffering, and loss. This anniversary is a time for reflection, healing, and recommitment to truth-telling and reconciliation. HIPPY recognizes the importance of honoring this day and supporting First Nations families in our communities.

As we welcome families back from the summer break, sites across Australia are gearing up for another exciting year of learning and connection. Whether it's Age 3 families beginning their HIPPY journey or Age 4 families continuing into their final year, this marks a fresh start full of possibilities.

A global celebration of books and reading, World Book Day encourages children and families to explore the joy of stories together. For HIPPY families, this day highlights one of the program's core activities: sharing books and building literacy through everyday moments. Many sites celebrate with special book-themed gatherings and activities.

This day raises awareness about the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It's a call to action for all Australians to contribute to closing the gap in health, education, and opportunity. HIPPY is proud to contribute to Closing the Gap through our First Nations-focused sites and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across the network.