The Thriving Kids initiative – a deal between the Australian and State and Territory Governments – is an opportunity for governments, families, communities and services to work together so that babies, toddlers and young children with developmental delays or autism and their caregivers can access support early and easily.
The WAY that Thriving Kids is implemented across the state matters a lot, and it matters for all Queenslanders.
Fairly distributed and localised supports – that are easy to access, responsive, and safe – lead to better outcomes for children and caregivers wherever they live, learn and play.
So whether children look around and see red earth, paddocks, cane fields, mountain ranges, tropical rainforests, island communities, beaches, suburban streets or city skylines – we need to make sure Thriving Kids works for them and their caregivers.
That’s why Queensland Kids Partnership is proposing 16 Regional Thriving Kids Partnerships to implement Thriving Kids across our vast state.
These would be aligned with Hospital and Health Service regions and designed to bring together families, First Nations organisations, disability services, health, education, early learning, community services, Primary Health Networks, local government, universities, place-based initiatives and philanthropy.
Together, these partnerships would use local data, lived experience, service mapping, workforce insights and community relationships to strengthen coordination, improve pathways and make the most of existing and new services, supports and community assets – especially across rural, remote and regional Queensland.
A proposed investment of $13.65 million over two years would support regional convenors, innovation labs, data capability, statewide coordination and a Thriving Kids Learning Network – helping maximise the impact of the broader reform while strengthening local ecosystems for the future.
Through regional partnerships, Thriving Kids has the potential to improve children’s development and wellbeing – and strengthen the systems that support them for years to come.
We welcome you to read our proposal and to reach out if you’d like to discuss.
