A new landmark partnership agreement under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap will strengthen services and improve support for Aboriginal children and their families in the East Kimberley.
The East Kimberley Little Footprints Big Futures Partnership is Western Australia’s place-based partnership bringing State, Federal, local governments and Aboriginal leaders to deliver coordinated, community-lead services.
Developed in partnership with local Aboriginal community partners, including Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation, the Australian Government and the Shires of Wyndham–East Kimberley and Halls Creek, the partnership aims to deliver better outcomes for children in their early years.
Aboriginal communities have identified the Early Years as a priority, with a focus on supporting healthy pregnancies and children from pre-birth to age seven, with $1.3 million committed by the WA Government to support early years initiatives.
The partnership centres on improving outcomes such as healthy birthweights, increased access to and participation in early childhood education, and children reaching important developmental milestones. It will also strengthen family foundations through improved access to safe housing and by supporting strong cultures and languages.
Aboriginal communities will have a formal role in how services are planned, delivered and evaluated. This shared decision-making approach ensures that programs reflect local priorities and knowledge to support culturally safe services and Aboriginal self-determination.
By implementing the Priority Reform areas under the National Agreement, the partnership will drive progress towards Closing the Gap targets for children and families in Kununurra, Wyndham and Halls Creek, creating lasting, positive change for communities across the East Kimberley.
To find out more, visit the East Kimberley Little Footprints Big Futures Place Based Partnership website.
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