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February 2026
EDITION 24
Dear Coordinators,
The momentum from graduations has helped us move into the next stage of advocacy. HIPPY Australia is working with the BSL Advocacy team as we prepare for the federal budget and outline the funding needed for the future.
We recently sent tailored letters to CEOs of all delivery partners and encouraged them to contact their Federal MP.
These messages explain HIPPY’s national impact, outline the proposal underway with DSS, and describe the risks if funding falls short. MPs have been asked to raise HIPPY’s needs with the Prime Minister and the Treasurer. Sites in South Australia also received extra material for communication with Senator Penny Wong.
Why working together matters
A coordinated approach helps us to build on the interest created during graduation season and keep messages clear and consistent. It helps to support the funding proposal now being considered and strengthens our national voice for families and communities.
Looking ahead
Thank you again for everything you bring to your sites and to the families you support. Your work creates momentum not only locally but across the whole network. I hope you feel proud of what your teams achieved over the past year and energised for what comes next.
Please keep reading for more updates, resources, and news from across the network.
Clare Seddon
Head of HIPPY
Key Program Dates
Several reporting and financial requirements for the July–December 2025 period are now overdue. To ensure contract compliance and accurate financial reconciliation, sites are requested to finalise the following actions as a priority.
Please review the status of the LM & Coordinator reports, Biannual Actuals (Non-Transition Sites) & the Annual Financial Report FY26 (Transition Sites). These were due in January and February 2026.
For assistance with ETO touchpoints or submission technicalities, contact the National Office immediately HIPPYAustraliaETOSupport@bsl.org.au
HIPPY Australia is on responses from the Sites approved retention of partial surpluses from their FY25 surplus. This information is needed to generate the correct invoice for the return of remaining funds.
Please direct surplus-related confirmations to the Finance team via HIPPYAustralia@bsl.org.au
(Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line)
National Office Updates
For the HIPPY Providers that we worked with in 2025, thank you for submitting your Annual Statement of Safeguarding Compliance.
For our new HIPPY Providers, we welcome you and invite you to review the Safeguarding Compliance Bulletin circulated in DEC 2025.
The DEC 2025 edition of the Compliance Bulletin covers the foundations of safeguarding at HIPPY Australia, including screening and employment checks, risk management and assessment and annual training. At this time of year, the information on the WWCC and NCCHC requirements of new staff will be particularly relevant.
We kick-started 2026 with the two-part online workshop, Career Coaching with Advantaged Thinking. Thank you for showing us that the workshop series was both relevant and well-received through your strong attendance.
We acknowledge the time taken by Coordinators and Tutors to participate and contribute to the discussions.
Advantaged Thinking is a framework that prioritizes strengths, capabilities, and opportunities over limitations.
We heard how the language and appreciation already exists in the Network, and the conversations were a reminder to actively use the approach as Coordinators and Tutors alike examined career options and practical steps for transitions beyond the HIPPY program.
Resources and Recordings
For those who were unable to attend or wish to review the content, the session recordings and accompanying handouts are available on LMS:
- Workshop Recording will be updated shortly on LMS
- Session Handouts
The February 2026 edition of the HIPPY Compliance Bulletin was distributed to the network on Thursday, FEB 26. This month’s focus is on privacy and confidentiality, and how they support successful program delivery and alignment to the Sublicence and Funding Agreement obligations.
While the bulletin is intended to support Line Managers in their oversight of contractual obligations, it also provides Coordinators with an overview of how the program is administered in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
If you have not received a copy of the bulletin, or wish to add someone to the mailing list, please contact hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au (Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line)
Next Month’s Topic: Insurance
If you have questions regarding the application of these policies or want to submit FAQ Questions in the next edition, please contact hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au (Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line)
Distribution of all HIPPY curriculum materials is now complete
During a review in late January, we found a packing issue that affected the height chart deliveries at some sites. Replacement items were sent in separate shipments, and this has now been resolved.
If you are still missing anything or have not received a delivery, please contact the National Office team so we can follow up.
HIPPY Australia’s partnership with Goodstart Early Learning continues for the 2026 year, offering Tutors pathways to employment and traineeships. All expressions of interest must now be sent directly to Cilla Reekers, HIPPY’s dedicated Talent Acquisition Lead, via the process below:
- Email: creekers@goodstart.org.au
- Subject line: HIPPY Applicant - [Insert Tutor Name]
- Email body: Tutors should indicate their interest in potential roles with Goodstart
- To ensure previous applicants are prioritised, Coordinators are requested to compile a list of any Tutors who previously applied via the QR code and email it directly to hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au
(Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line)
We’re excited to share that the BSL Inclusion Strategy has been finalised! This strategy sets out our vision for an inclusive society where everyone can participate fully in economic, cultural, civic, and social life. It focuses on systemic change, collaboration across research, policy and practice, and amplifying lived-experience voices.
As part of this work, HIPPY Australia shared the HIPPY: Inclusion in Action report with DSS. This report was only possible because a number of our network partners took part and contributed their stories and examples. Their input helped show what inclusion looks like in real practice and how sites are already supporting families with disability.
Findings that relate directly to your day-to-day work include:
- 99 percent of families with disability said they felt safe, included and understood in HIPPY
- 36 former HIPPY parents with disability have been employed as Tutors since 2023
- flexible and adaptive delivery is helping children engage and supporting parents to feel more confident
- strong commitment to inclusive practice across the Network, with opportunities for more capability building
What this means for the network
Inclusion is already a strong feature of HIPPY, and the new strategy gives us a framework to keep building on what you are doing well. The ideas below are long-term aims. They will need to be balanced with everything else happening across the program and introduced at a pace that feels realistic.
Long-term aims include:
- more practical tools and resources to support inclusive delivery
- training and coaching opportunities for tutors and coordinators
- updates to curriculum materials with simple adaptation tips
- chances for sites to share learning through communities of practice
- more ways for families to contribute their experiences and shape how HIPPY grows
This work will unfold gradually over time. As the next steps take shape, we will keep the network updated and make sure that anything new is clear, manageable and supported.
We are now beginning the pilot phase of the new HIPPY Resource Portal. The portal is still in early development, and the pilot will help us understand what is needed before we make decisions about building a final version that can be successfully deployed across the network.
The portal is based on our commitment to continuous improvement, using available technology and your feedback for a simpler, central place for resource support. The pilot will help us see what works well and what needs improvement, so we can build something that genuinely supports the Network.
During the pilot, a small group of Sites will try the early version of the portal. They will receive support, and their feedback will guide what we need to add or improve.
A successful pilot will give us a clear direction for the next stage of development. It will help identify which functions are most useful and what should be prioritised in any future rollout.
We will share more information about the pilot and the next steps in the April newsletter.
Effective Monday, 23 February 2026, the regulatory oversight for child safety in Victoria has transitioned. Allegations of reportable conduct and concerns regarding compliance with Child Safe Standards must now be directed to the Social Services Regulator rather than the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).
Key Changes:
- Reporting Authority: The Social Services Regulator is now the primary body for the Reportable Conduct Scheme and Child Safe Standards in Victoria
- Webform Access: Allegations must be submitted via the new webform located on the Social Services Regulator website
- Existing Reports: Any reports previously submitted to the CCYP have been transferred to the new regulator; no duplicate reporting is required
- Guidance Materials: The CCYP website will continue to host existing guidance materials and resources for the immediate future
For further information or to access the new reporting portal, please visit the Social Services Regulator website .
LMS Updates
The ETO Helpdesk is scheduled to graduate eligible 2024 Families shortly. To ensure accurate reporting and program transitions, sites need to review their current ETO data entry.
- Ensure completion of the finalisation process is managed via the ‘Leave HIPPY’dropdown menu on ETO (see ETO User Guide section 7.7.2)
- 'Graduation Journey' forms must be entered for relevant families prior to ETO Helpdesk completing the formal graduation process
2026 Enrolment and Reporting Definitions
- Active status: New 2026 enrolments are recorded as ‘active’ only following the delivery of the first Age 3 pack
- Early Exit criteria: Families who exit the program before the commencement of March delivery are not categorised as an ‘Early Exit’
- Data entry and strategy: Entering all new families on ETO assists in determining Priority of Access (PoA) percentages and enrolment volumes
- Recruitment planning: This information supports Coordinators and Site Advisors in the ongoing review and adjustment of recruitment strategies
Quality and Performance
After the 2024 cohort finished, we reviewed parent feedback on how HIPPY supported parent‑child connection. The data identified five primary areas of impact reported by participants:
- Structured activities and engagement (50%): Participants noted that the structured activities reduced the requirement for independent planning, facilitating more consistent engagement, particularly for families with limited time
- Play-based learning and motivation (34%): The focus on creative and play-based delivery was reported to support child motivation and consistent skills practice
- Dedicated interaction (34%): Time spent on program activities was identified as a significant factor in relationship building and positive one-on-one interaction
- Parental confidence and capability (16%): Feedback indicated that the program supported parental skills in managing learning tasks and extending educational activities beyond the provided curriculum
- Understanding individual learning needs (11%): The program provided insights into child interests and learning preferences, which assisted parents in adapting activities to meet specific needs
The Network has identified an increase in document upload failures in ETO during the current enrolment period. Users have reported unresponsive screens, system error messages, and files not appearing after upload. The main cause is incorrect file naming. ETO cannot process files that include spaces or special characters.
Let's work together to ensure uploads work correctly
- Use letters and numbers only
- Avoid spaces and special characters
- Underscores are allowed
What doesn't work
- First name last name privacy acknowledgement
Recommended alternatives
- firstnamelastnameprivacyacknowledgement
- first_name_last_name_privacy_acknowledgement
For support, contact ETOHIPPYSupport@bsl.org.au
Communities of Practice (CoP) Digest
A CoP Digest is a short roundup of useful updates from our Communities of Practice. It gives you a quick snapshot of recent activity, shared learning and upcoming opportunities without adding extra meetings or long documents. The aim is to make information easy to scan and help everyone stay connected to what is happening across the network.
The digest helps to:
- share ideas and practices that are working well at different sites
- highlight new tools or resources
- keep Coordinators and Tutors informed about upcoming CoP opportunities
- support consistent and confident practice across the network
Throughout 2025, we continued to strengthen Communities of Practice in response to your feedback. The focus has been on making CoPs more useful, more visible and easier to participate in.
Key updates from 2025 include:
- a clearer CoP framework that outlines the purpose of CoPs and how they support shared learning
- targeted training for CoP facilitators to build confidence and leadership
- refreshed operational resources, including updated Terms of Reference and Guidelines
- a national CoP calendar and onboarding process to help new members settle in
A nationally co-ordinated CoP calendar will be shared shortly.
We have also baseline‑mapped incoming CoP meeting minutes, along with the themes and questions that sites regularly raise. This gives us a clearer picture of what the network needs. Responding to these themes will be the main focus of our ongoing CoP Digests.
We have already responded to a number of these questions, and these responses will be shared with you in the next newsletter. As part of our commitment to improving access to clear and consistent information, we are also exploring ways to provide responses in a format that is easy to find, easy to revisit and searchable over time.
HIPPY Australia will continue to build on this work in 2026, with a strong focus on capturing good practice and creating more opportunities for sites to learn from each other.
HIPPY Training Opportunities
The 2026 Learning Calendar is now available, outlining scheduled forums, CoP events, and national meetings. Sites are encouraged to review these dates for professional development planning.
A downloadable version of the 2026 HIPPY Learning Calendar will be circulated shortly.
This practical session equips participants with tools to identify and mitigate common online scams, including phishing, fake job ads, recruitment scams, investment fraud, and other increasingly sophisticated tactics.
The workshop covers essential steps for securing both professional and personal accounts, recognising red flags, and knowing where to seek support if a breach is suspected.
This training session is designed to strengthen digital literacy and security practices across the Network, enabling Coordinators, Tutors, staff, program participants, and community members better safeguard themselves against online threats. Open to both Coordinators and Tutors.
Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM (AEST)
The meeting invitation will be sent out shortly.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognising common digital warning signs
- Procedures for securing professional and personal accounts
- Identifying support pathways following a security breach
Developed by ANZ in partnership with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence, this financial education program is designed to build the capability of community workers to support families in making informed financial decisions. The training provides practical skills in areas such as money planning, everyday banking, and superannuation. View the introductory video: Becoming an ANZ MoneyMinded Coach
The sessions are open to both Coordinators and Tutors
To achieve formal accreditation and gain access to the dedicated suite of physical and digital resources, participants must complete three hours of online pre-work and attend both scheduled sessions in full. Session details & registration process below.
Date: Wednesday, 1 April (Part 1) and Thursday, 2 April (Part 2)
Time: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM (AEST)
Expression of Interest (EoI) must be submitted by Monday, 16 March 2026 to facilitate the registration process. Provide complete details in your email: First Name, Last Name, Position, Email address, and Mobile number
Email hippyaustralia@bsl.org.au (Clicking on the link will open a separate window with a pre-formatted subject line)
External Training Opportunities
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is conducting a national webinar focused on early intervention and supporting children with developmental concerns, delays, or disabilities. Hosted by Prof Sharon Goldfeld AM on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Education; this session examines how early response strategies provide a foundation for long-term development.
The AEDC is a nationwide data collection exercise conducted every three years since 2009, measuring childhood development as children commence their first year of full-time school.
Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Time: 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (AEDT)
Cost: Free
Target Audience: Coordinators and Tutors interested in early childhood development data and intervention
Learning and Resource Links:
- Webinar Registration: Register via Bitly
- AEDC Overview: Visit the AEDC Website
- Research Context: Thriving Kids Advisory Group Final Report
Days of Recognition
At HIPPY, we recognise and celebrate a variety of important dates, including some cultural and religious observances that reflect our commitment to inclusivity, family, and cultural diversity.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for posts to like, share, and tag!
A global initiative focused on the importance of reading and literacy.
For HIPPY Sites (& Families), this day highlights the core activity of shared reading and the development of early literacy skills through the curriculum.
Many Sites utilise this date for book-themed gatherings or community literacy activities.
Held annually on the third Thursday of March, this day advocates for health and life expectancy equity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
National Close the Gap Day is held on the third Thursday of March every year. Close the Gap was started in 2006 by First Nations and mainstream peak health and advocacy organisations. It is distinct from the government’s 2008 ‘Closing the Gap’ policy framework.
HIPPY contributes to these objectives through First Nations-focused sites and integrated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across the Network.This April marks 29 years since the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Federal Parliament on 5 April 1997.
The report was the result of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families. It documented the systemic experiences of the Stolen Generations and the resulting longitudinal impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The document contains 54 recommendations intended to support healing and remains a foundational framework for child safety and welfare practices within the sector today.
