Network News
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July 2026
EDITION 28
From the National Office
Dear HIPPY Network,
Every six months, I have the privilege of reviewing the progress being made across the HIPPY Network as we prepare our performance report for the Department of Social Services (DSS). Alongside our financial, safeguarding and data reporting obligations, this process is an important opportunity to reflect on what we're achieving together for children and families across Australia.
And what an achievement it has been.
I'm delighted to share that our latest results are incredibly strong. Age 3 recruitment is tracking at 91% of our minimum national target, while we've successfully achieved our Age 3 to Age 4 retention target of 75%. We've also met our targets for supporting children with disability and/or developmental delay and children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Encouragingly, participation by First Nations children and families remained strong nationally, reaching 97% of our projected enrolment benchmark.
These are enormously impressive results.
Behind every number is a family that said "yes" to HIPPY, a Home Tutor who built trust, a Coordinator who went the extra mile, and a Site Provider committed to making a difference in their community. The impact of your work is evident not only in our reporting, but in the confidence, connection and opportunities being created for families every day.
I want to sincerely thank every member of the HIPPY Network for your dedication, passion and belief in the program. These results belong to all of us, and they provide powerful evidence of the difference HIPPY continues to make in communities across Australia.
Funding Update
Many of you will be aware that HIPPY Australia and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) have been engaged in ongoing discussions with the Department of Social Services (DSS) about the future funding of HIPPY.
Earlier this week, BSL and HIPPY Australia wrote to Site Provider CEOs to provide an update on where things currently stand. The most important message I want to share with the wider Network is that there is no change to current funding or delivery arrangements, and sites should continue delivering HIPPY as usual.
While there are no new funding announcements to share at this stage, please be assured that advocating for HIPPY's future remains a key priority for both HIPPY Australia and BSL. Over the past 18 months, we've been working closely with DSS and other stakeholders to build a strong case for ongoing investment in the program. This has included detailed financial modelling, analysis of program needs and opportunities, and continued collaboration with the First Nations Governance Network.
I'm encouraged by the positive and constructive nature of our discussions with DSS, and I want to thank providers across the Network for the role you've played in helping demonstrate HIPPY's value. Whether through graduation events, community engagement or sharing local stories of impact, your advocacy helps show decision-makers the difference HIPPY makes every day.
I remain confident in the strength of HIPPY as one of Australia's most established and effective early childhood and parenting programs. The outcomes you achieve with children and families continue to be at the heart of our conversations with government, and I will keep the Network updated as soon as there is any new information to share.
Clare Seddon | Head of HIPPY
Key Program Dates
National Office Updates
Finance Updates
Quality and Performance Updates
Communities of Practice (CoP) Digest
HIPPY Training Opportunities
External Training Opportunities
Network Success and Innovation
Days of Recognition
As we look ahead to August, the following dates offer meaningful opportunities for home visits, group gatherings, and community connection.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for posts to like, share, and tag!
