Through generous funding support from the Royal Agricultural Society (RAS) Foundation and the Mary Mackillop Today organisation, we have provided over 200 child health, development, hearing and school readiness assessments already in 2024, thanks to the strong support from local schools and families participating in our Empowering Futures School Screening Program. We have a vision of increasing screening rates from 8% to above 90%, ensuring every child in our regional area has the best start to life.
Without ongoing funding support, regional families will not have access to these essential child health checks. Please support our cause and donate today.
We have provided 206 health, development and early learning support assessments to local children and families.
We have provided 278 Child Ear Health and Hearing Screenings.
100+ families have accessed our Community Clinic for follow-up health, development and early learning support.
66% of targeted local schools signed up to participate in our 2024 School Screening Program.
We are committed to supporting local families
Meet Our Program Team
RN, RM, MMid, Post Grad Cert Child and Family Health Nursing, Immunisation.
With over 15 years of health expertise in areas including Nursing, Midwifery, and Child and Family Health Nursing, coupled with a rich background in serving rural and remote areas of Australia, my primary focus is on improving access for families to childhood health and developmental assessments, and building capacity in parents to support healthy child development, therefore reducing escalating rates of developmental delays in key milestone areas.
I am dedicated to identifying children who may be off track or at risk of falling behind, particularly in communities facing service accessibility challenges.
My passion is centred around fostering family partnership connections and recognising their significance in nurturing the health and well-being of our most vulnerable members.
Having called the Nambucca Valley home, I am deeply committed to collaborating with families, healthcare providers, educators, and the broader community.
Together, we can build community capacity and effect sustainable change, ultimately reducing childhood developmental vulnerability. Let's work hand in hand to make a positive impact on the lives of our youngest community members.
Bachelor of Primary Education
With 15 years of experience as a Primary School Educator and strong ties to the Nambucca Valley, my commitment centres on improving childhood learning outcomes and tackling developmental delays in education within this community.
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Emphasising the importance of family partnerships and connections, I am enthusiastic about charting unique educational paths to inspire young minds.
I am dedicated to cultivating a growth mindset and solution-based thinking as key elements in overcoming challenges in childhood development.
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The Nambucca Valley is not just where I live; it's a space where we can collaboratively work towards a brighter future for our children.
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Let's come together to enhance learning experiences, address developmental delays, and create an environment where our youngest members can thrive.
Why is Healthy Child Development Important?
Healthy child development is the cornerstone of a thriving society. Every milestone a child achieves from their first steps to their first words, shapes the foundation of their future. It's not just about physical growth; it's about nurturing their minds, bodies, and spirits to reach their fullest potential.
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First and foremost, healthy child development lays the groundwork for lifelong well-being. From building strong immune systems to fostering cognitive abilities, the early years are crucial for establishing healthy habits that can last a lifetime. By investing in early childhood development, we're investing in healthier, happier futures for our children.
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Furthermore, healthy child development is essential for building strong communities. When children are given the opportunity to flourish, they become active participants in society, contributing their unique talents and perspectives. They're more likely to excel academically, pursue meaningful careers, and become positive agents of change in their communities.
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But perhaps most importantly, healthy child development is a matter of equity and social justice. Every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the chance to thrive. By ensuring equal access to quality healthcare, education, and support services, we can level the playing field and give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential.
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In essence, healthy child development is not just a matter of biology; it's a fundamental human right. It's about giving every child the chance to grow, learn, and succeed, laying the groundwork for a brighter and more prosperous future for us all. To learn more about the link between healthy child development and educational outcomes, check out our articles on on blog here.
