Network News - July

Deadline for submitting the Budget FY26 was 14 May 2025.

Please contact your Site Advisor or HIPPY Australia urgently for discussions.

Data entry due for the April-June 2025 period

Coordinator and Line Manager reports for the January-June 2025 period due.

Biannual actuals reports for the January-June 2025 period due.

Enrolments have now closed on ETO. If further enrolments are collected, please email ETO entries to HIPPYAustraliaETOSupport@bsl.org.au

We understand that delivering HIPPY has become increasingly challenging in many communities across Australia due to growing financial pressures and funding constraints.

HIPPY Australia is working closely with DSS to better understand the need for additional funding to ensure sites are equipped to manage increasing costs and sustain program delivery.

We are actively engaging with DSS on this matter, and we may be in contact with Providers seeking further information to confirm the true costs of delivering HIPPY. Your continued support and commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally responsive early childhood education, despite increasing operational pressures, is deeply appreciated.

We also anticipate that the Sublicence and Funding Agreement will be circulated to Providers in November and keep you informed about the release of these contracts.

HIPPY Australia is preparing for the 2026 curriculum printing and distribution. To streamline the process and ensure you receive the right quantities, we are introducing an online stocktake portal through our print supplier, E-Bisglobal.

This portal will let you report what HIPPY materials you currently have on hand. Based on your input, we’ll calculate your requirements for next year and coordinate printing and distribution in the final quarter of 2025. After this, no further action needed unless your delivery address changes.

Look out for an email from HIPPY Australia in the coming week with more information.

Have you been following our latest updates on socials?

Over the past six weeks, we’ve shared highlights from National Reconciliation Week, our participation at the Victorian Parliament to advocate for HIPPY Australia, BSL HIPPY’s participation in the Yoorrook Walk for Truth, and NAIDOC Week celebrations.

We regularly post great printables and digital resources cards that you can use and share with families in your community. Thank you for your appreciation and feedback on how these resources make it easier for you to focus on building strong community connections.

If you haven’t already, make sure you’re following us on both Facebook and Instagram .

We too enjoy news around what’s happening at your Site, so don’t forget to tag us in your posts; every time you share news, events, or celebrations with your community.

Tagging us helps us stay connected and means we can celebrate your achievements every opportunity we get!

We just wrapped up an inspiring session led by Eldon Lim, BSL Accessibility Lead, exploring how we can shift from deficit-based views of disability to a more inclusive, empowering mindset.

• Disability is a natural part of human diversity
• Ableism is real, and we all have a role in challenging it
• Inclusion means more than equality, it means thoughtful adjustments
• Language shapes perception. Let’s speak with respect and intention

A recording of this webinar can be found on the Learning Management System (LMS) in the News & Important information. Click the link for access.

Celebrating the Success of HIPPY Australia’s Inaugural Change Makers Cohort

HIPPY Australia recently celebrated the graduation of our first-ever Change Makers pilot program, with 44 attendee Tutors and Coordinators from sites across the country.

The pilot was met with an overwhelmingly positive response, not only from participants but also from special guests.

At the graduation, Travers McLeod, Julie Ware and Rebecca Pinney Meddings from BSL's executive team, The Hon Ged Kearney MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, and representatives from the Department of Social Services gathered to listen deeply to the stories shared about HIPPY’s impact.

We had such a strong response from the Network that we can’t wait to run the next round and support more attendees find their voice and grow their advocacy skills.

Over six weeks, participants built confidence as leaders, developed communication skills, and connected with others across the HIPPY network. The Change Makers program builds public speaking, teamwork, and decision-making skills; fosters advocacy for community causes; and strengthens leadership, self-awareness, and community engagement.

The intent for the pilot was to:

• Provide meaningful professional development for Coordinators
• Support Tutors to build transferable skills for work and study pathways
• Build evidence to support policy, practice, and system reform
• Strengthen our advocacy capability in early years and employment

Co-designed with HIPPY Site Advisors and delivered with BSL teams, the program drew on the strong foundations of the Change Makers framework, with incredible support from BSL's Senior Advisor (Service Development and Practice), Marta Bleumeris.

Graduation was a true highlight, with participants bravely sharing their stories and demonstrating the strength and passion within our communities. It showed what’s possible when parents are supported to speak up for their children, families, and futures.

A big HIPPY congratulations to everyone involved!

Early childhood is a time of rapid development that lays the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. Understanding how children are faring helps ensure the right services, supports, and resources are available so children and families can thrive.

A sobering new report from the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) reveals that the percentage of children who are developmentally vulnerable has increased across all five domains this year. This highlights a growing challenge for child development nationwide.

Only 52.9% of children are now developmentally on track in all five domains, down from 54.8% in 2021, while 23.5% are developmentally vulnerable on one or more domains (up 1.5 percentage points) and 12.5% are vulnerable on two or more domains; the highest rate ever recorded by the AEDC.

(Source: Australian Government Department of Education )

These trends underscore the urgent need for targeted early childhood support and intervention to ensure all children have the best possible start.

For those wanting to better understand, and use AEDC data to support children’s outcomes, details on how to register for the free webinar are available in the Training section of this newsletter.

This evidence-based practice guide offers a research-informed overview of what supports or hinders participation in playgroups, drawing on recent evidence and practical insights. While it’s not a prescriptive manual, it highlights factors such as accessible locations, low or no-cost sessions, and welcoming, inclusive environments that can make a difference for families, particularly those facing additional barriers.

Playgroups have long played a vital role in Australia’s early childhood landscape, fostering children’s development and enhancing family wellbeing. Despite their proven benefits; including social connection, school readiness, and a sense of belonging; participation rates have declined in recent years, highlighting the need for renewed focus on inclusion and engagement.

This guide explores the role of practitioner support, professional development, and flexible program delivery, which may resonate with the way HIPPY Gatherings are structured to foster connection and engagement. For anyone interested in reflecting on participation trends and considering new approaches, this guide provides useful points for analysis and discussion.

You can find the full resource here .

In October, BSL will be hosting a meeting with HIPPY International and representatives from other international organisations who implement HIPPY globally. We are excited about the opportunity to host the visit and share with representatives from NZ, Canada and others the wonderful ways that HIPPY is being implemented in Australia.

We are exploring ways for the broader HIPPY network to interact with our international HIPPY colleagues whilst they visit and will be sending out correspondence soon.

The MyAus App is a free digital resource developed with support from the Department of Home Affairs to assist culturally diverse communities in Australia.

The app brings together essential information on topics such as navigating public transport, opening a bank account, raising a family, accessing Medicare, and understanding work rights.

Available in 20 languages, MyAus also offers English language practice and goal-setting tools to help users establish their lives in Australia.

To get started, simply scan the QR code in the poster to register for the MyAus App.

This is a great resource to share with Families, Community networks, and colleagues to help more people access the support they need.

SNAICC’s National Conference is a key event for knowledge sharing and collaboration on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, focusing on early childhood education and out-of-home care. Many HIPPY Coordinators and Tutors may attend, and BSL/HIPPY will have a stall at the event.

We'll soon email you to see if you're interested in an informal gathering during the conference.

Help Shape Early Intervention supports for First Nations Families (with children under nine years of age)

The NDIA is leading the Participant First initiative to improve the NDIS by ensuring the voices of participants with disability are central to all reforms.

This new survey focuses on First Nations families or carers of children under nine years old who live with disability and/or a developmental delay. We encourage you to share this new survey with eligible families in your community to ensure that the voices of people with disability drive the way NDIS reforms are designed, implemented, and monitored.

This survey is aimed at improving early intervention pathways for First Nations families with children under nine, and is for participants who are First Nations families/carers who have sought early childhood support through the NDIS.

Families/carers could have accessed the scheme, tried to apply, or want to apply but are unsure how. Their experience is what matters.

The survey takes about 10 minutes and will help make the system stronger, simpler, and more culturally safe for First Nations children.

Click here to complete the survey . Survey closes Sunday, 21 July 2025.

Join the First Nations Pool: Building a Better Way Together

The First Nations Pool is a new initiative within the NDIS, designed by mob, for mob, to address the unique needs of First Nations people with disability.

The Pool is a group of First Nations people experiencing disability who are passionate about testing new ideas, putting culture at the centre of practice, and want to make the NDIS work for their communities. Members of the Pool will be involved in one-on-one discussions, focus groups, and workshops

NDIS are seeking First Nations people with disability, family members, and carers from all walks of life; cities, towns, and remote communities, to share their voices and experiences.

This is a paid opportunity, and inputs will help shape a better system for our communities.

If you know eligible families or community members interested in participating, please share this link so they can learn more and register their interest.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) Evaluation of the HIPPY Program is well underway, and your participation is crucial.

All Sites would have received the Tutor and Coordinator survey links earlier this month, please complete your survey by the end of July.

Coordinators are also asked to:

• Remind Tutors to respond to their survey link before July 30
• Encourage and support all HIPPY families (parents and carers) to take 15 minutes to complete the feedback survey sent out last month, also before July 31

While participation is voluntary, a strong response from both staff and families is essential for a comprehensive evaluation. Your feedback will directly influence the future direction of HIPPY and help ensure the program continues to meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Thank you for supporting this important process.

If you have any questions , experience any issues in contacting families, or have any feedback, please get in touch with HIPPY Australia directly.

We are pleased to share an update on the important and ongoing work taking place at our First Nations–focused sites, where we are currently supporting the transition to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Our external consultants, SNAICC and Cross-Cultural Consultants, together with members of the HIPPY Australia team, are actively engaging with communities as part of the transition process. This engagement supports a culturally respectful and community-informed transition of Providers.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from earlier consultation rounds are now closing and are currently being reviewed by our assessment panel. This is a significant step in identifying local organisations that will continue to deliver the HIPPY program in alignment with community priorities and cultural governance.

We would like to sincerely thank our current Providers for their ongoing support, professionalism, and dedication during this period of change. Their collaboration has been essential in working towards a smooth transition for families and communities, and in upholding the continuity and integrity of the program.

We remain committed to a transition process that is guided by strong partnerships, cultural integrity, and the voices of the communities in which HIPPY operates.

We are currently undertaking a project that aims to capture and celebrate the incredible adaptations being made across the HIPPY network to ensure every family can access the program in ways that are personalised, accessible, culturally appropriate, and inclusive. This project recognises the creativity, commitment, and deep understanding that you bring to tailoring HIPPY to meet the diverse needs of your families.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took the time to complete our recent survey. We know how many competing demands you are juggling, and we truly appreciate your willingness to contribute your experiences and insights. Your input, alongside the enrolment data you have collected and the ongoing stories you continue to share, is invaluable in helping us better understand the wide range of approaches and innovations in play.

All this rich information will be brought together in a detailed report that not only highlights key data. but also reflects the lived experiences of Providers. In addition to the data analysis, the report will feature a series of case studies developed through follow-up conversations with selected sites who have generously agreed to unpack their practices further with our report writer.

We look forward to sharing this report with you in the near future. We hope it will be both a source of recognition and inspiration, showcasing the collective efforts across the network to ensure HIPPY is accessible and inclusive for all families. We will also continue exploring ways to share examples of your practice more broadly and use your insights to guide the development of tools and resources that support inclusive delivery.

Thank you again for your contribution and for everything you do to make HIPPY a program that responds to the strengths and needs of every family.

2,323 Age 3 families have been enrolled into HIPPY this year.

In a snapshot

• 26% of all children enrolled this year identify as First Nations, that being Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, or both
• 29% of all children enrolled this year are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD). They are from 94 different countries, and across the network, 76 different languages are spoken
• 27% of all children enrolled this year have a disability

Key support needs

• 38% of all families enrolled this year are concerned about their child’s development
• 22% of those families are particularly concerned about managing their child’s emotions or behaviour
• 19% of those families are concerned about their child’s ability to speak with others
• 55% of families who shared their child’s support needs mentioned that their child has difficulty communicating

Program goals for the Families

• 78% of parents who joined HIPPY this year want to support their children to love learning by learning with them
• 77% of parents who joined HIPPY this year want to help get their child ready for kindergarten or preschool
• 75% of parents who joined HIPPY this year want to develop their confidence, knowledge, and skills through learning opportunities at Gatherings
• 63% of parents who joined HIPPY this year want to spend more one-on-one time with their child

Taking on board feedback from Providers, HANO will be sending out Annual Statement of Compliance (ASOC) communications earlier than in previous years.

This change will give Sites ample time to complete reporting requirements well before the end-of-year downtime at Provider organisations.

A reminder that the Biannual Actuals report for January-June 2025 is due by 14 August 2025.

This report is essential for meeting Department of Social Services (DSS) requirements, and timely submission ensures we remain compliant with our funding obligations.

Additionally, if your site has not yet submitted the FY26 Budget, please do so as soon as possible. Budgets were due on 14 May 2025, and DSS is following up on outstanding submissions.

Submitting these reports on time is critical for ongoing program funding and compliance. Thank you for your attention to these important requirements and for your continued cooperation.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your Site Advisor or HIPPY Australia immediately.

Q: Can ETO access be more readily available for Tutors?

A: Due to limited licences, we’re unable to provide an ETO login for every Tutor. If you have a Tutor interested in data entry, please speak to your Site Advisor first. If ETO access is linked to a Tutor’s P2P goals, this will be favourably considered to support their skill development.

Coordinators can then complete the 'Request ETO Access' touchpoint under the 'Support' tab on the Delivery Dashboard to initiate a login for the Tutor.

Please note, all Tutors with ETO access must receive ongoing training and supervision from their Coordinator for the duration of their access.

Kellyanne Williams, Coordinator from HIPPY Brighton, 54 Reasons shared some wonderful photos and stories from their recent NAIDOC event, which brought together families past, present, and future. The celebration coincided with a visit from SNAICC and HIPPY Australia for community consultations, creating a vibrant atmosphere of connection and collaboration.

Local services from the Brighton LGA joined the gathering, each bringing an activity and information about their support for the community. It was especially meaningful to welcome two past HIPPY tutors, now working with Uniting as Aboriginal school holiday facilitators and as an Aboriginal family support and community worker.

The Kutulayna Collective and Aboriginal education teams also provided cultural activities for the children, making the day rich in learning and fun.

The kitchen was a hub of activity thanks to Under One Rainbow, who prepared a delicious lunch featuring kangaroo sliders with apple chips, beef sliders, and a variety of snack bowls. Amidst the creative mess (that included plenty of shaving cream... in abundance) the day was filled with laughter, impromptu dance parties, and heartfelt conversations, all celebrating culture and community.

This special gathering was made possible by the dedication of the HIPPY Brighton Tutors, who spent countless hours planning and creating a welcoming space.

Special thanks to HIPPY Clarence for their support on the day, we wouldn’t have had half as much fun without you, and a big shout out to Ashley for being a steady presence and advocate for the HIPPY program.

The photo captioned and shared by one family post-event summarises the day best!

The HIPPY Ashmont team recently visited HIPPY Nowra, creating a memorable experience of connection and growing stronger together.

Standing together under the HIPPY banner at the Nowra site, both teams reflected on the unity and shared purpose that comes from being part of the national HIPPY network.

The day was filled with rich conversations, laughter, and the exchange of ideas. Teams observed each other’s practices, shared stories from their communities, and discussed the unique ways they support families through the HIPPY journey. The creativity and dedication of the Nowra team was inspiring, and their warm welcome made the visit even more special.

Despite what the pictures captured would indicate, this visit was more than just professional development. It was about building relationships, celebrating a shared mission, and learning from one another.

And that shines through in every photo.

The Ashmont team returned home re-energised, with new ideas and a deeper appreciation for the incredible work happening across the HIPPY network.

At The Parks, one of three Adelaide HIPPY sites managed by Novita, innovation and community spirit are at the heart of their work.

The Parks HIPPY team has developed a unique partnership with the local council to run a vibrant weekly Women’s Group, welcoming families from Vietnamese and other cultural backgrounds. HIPPY staff work alongside Council Community Development Workers to deliver a program that’s both enriching and inclusive.

Thanks to increased funding and resources, the Women’s Group has offered a wide range of parent enrichment activities over the past few years.

Participants have enjoyed sewing classes, cooking and cake decorating sessions, and even workshops with guest speakers on topics like starting your own business. These activities not only build practical skills but also foster connection and confidence among women in the community.

A standout member of this group is Hiep (second from the left in the photo), who recently led a sushi-making class for the Women’s Group. Known for her creativity, Hiep has also produced craft video tutorials (including a popular how-to on making slime) for HIPPY families. Her energy and passion make her a true “craft dynamo” within the program.

“It’s wonderful to see women coming together, learning new skills, and supporting one another,” says Jodie Molitor, The Parks (Novita Children’s Services).

“Hiep’s enthusiasm is infectious, and her willingness to share her talents helps make our group so special.”

The Parks HIPPY Women’s Group is a shining example of how partnerships, creativity, and community leadership can create meaningful opportunities for families to connect, learn, and thrive.

HIPPY provides the framework to make a genuine and lasting impact on the lives of families, children, and the communities we serve. Girrawheen, WA, is a highly diverse site, with families from Iranian, Burmese, Malaysian, and Pakistani/Indian backgrounds. Last month, HIPPY Midland and Girrawheen came together to host a mid-year Family Day at a local wildlife park.

Despite the pouring rain, attendance was high, and spirits were even higher. The joy and gratitude on families’ faces spoke volumes.

One Iranian family, separated from relatives in Tehran, joined us after much encouragement. Given the current world events, the mother carried visible worry on the bus, but she came for her daughter.

Penny Bickford, Senior Coordinator HIPPY Ngala shares, “Later, as she patted and fed a kangaroo, her shoulders relaxed, and her face softened. The look her daughter gave her when a joey peeked out from its pouch was a moment of pure wonder! a memory that will stay with us always.”

Another family, with loved ones in war-torn Burma, later shared a video filled with laughter and connection from the day with the team.

“Even amidst hardship, they found community and joy with HIPPY."

These moments, captured in the beautiful faces of our families, remind us of the power of coming together and the difference HIPPY can make.”

Hear from a panel of local and international leaders as they share how embedding children's voices in policy and practice results in informed decisions and impactful programs. The webinar will talk about:

• development and application of the Voice of the Child Toolkit
• policy context for the involvement of children and young people
• barriers, enablers and learnings from practical case studies

Date: Tuesday 22 July
Time: 12:00pm-1:15pm AEST
Cost: Free

Time zone note:
The times above are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10), which applies to ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, and VIC.

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a national measure of children’s development as they enter their first year of full-time school. With support from schools, teachers, and communities nationwide, data is collected every three years to build a comprehensive picture of early childhood development in Australia over time.

This free webinar will be held on August 5 at 12:30 pm Canberra time.

This session will unpack the latest AEDC results, explore key trends, and discuss the broader social, economic, and environmental factors influencing child development in Australia. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how AEDC data can inform action and support better outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Register to explore the 2024 results, key trends, and how data can drive positive change for children, families, and communities.

Time zone note:
The times above are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST, UTC+10), which applies to ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, and VIC.

Join this free session led by a Western Melbourne-based First Nations early childhood educator. Discover practical strategies to create culturally safe, inclusive environments that nurture the identity, strengths, and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The session will explore ways to embed First Nations perspectives, foster respectful relationships with families and communities, and honour every child’s cultural rights.

Grounded in the 2025 Indigenous Children’s Day theme “Little Footsteps, Big Future."

2025 NAIDOC Week marks 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead.

Pictures across the SM posts from our Sites during NAIDOC Week captured the vibrant celebrations across HIPPY sites.

It was inspiring to see the pride and unity on display, with each site honouring the past while empowering young voices to lead into the future.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, observed on August 4, celebrates the strengths, culture, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. This year's theme is “Little Footsteps, Big Future.”

This day honours their unique journeys, deeply connected to Country and community, and inspires all Australians to nurture and uplift their voices and dreams. It is a meaningful reminder of the vital role that culture, family, and community play in shaping their lives and futures.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed every year on 9 August to honour the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples globally, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.

This day recognises Indigenous communities as custodians of unique languages, traditions, and knowledge systems, and it highlights their vital role in protecting the world’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. It also draws attention to the challenges Indigenous peoples face, such as land rights, cultural preservation, and the need for self-determination, while calling on everyone to promote inclusion, respect, and action in support of Indigenous rights.

Children’s Book Week turns 80 in 2025, celebrating eight decades of inspiring young Australians to discover the magic of reading.

This year’s theme, “ Book an Adventure! ”, encourages children to explore new worlds through books. A journey that resonates with the rich storytelling traditions at the heart of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Storytelling in these communities preserves tradition and identity, empowers children, and highlights the importance of early literacy in closing the literacy gap.

At HIPPY, we celebrate Children’s Book Week by advocating for equitable access to books and resources, because every child deserves the joy of reading and the chance to write their own (adventure) story.