Connected Beginnings Aims to Help Close the Gap in Ceduna

Ceduna families are now benefiting from the new, community based Connected Beginnings program, linking health care and early childhood education, as the program continues its national rollout.

Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt AM said the program aims for healthy families and improved school readiness.

“Connected Beginnings helps children enjoy good health, to set them on the way to academic success and a lifetime of better opportunities,” Minister Wyatt said.

“It works by providing children and their families with holistic support through existing and expanded local services.”

Minister Wyatt officially launched the program today at the Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal Health service, where it is already helping to build better, stronger lives.

“The first five years of life is a critical time that ultimately helps shape every child’s future and is fundamental to Closing the Gap in health equality,” Minister Wyatt said.

“I know Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal Health service has worked hard to attract professionals to fill five new positions to help support the program and local families.”

Through Connected Beginnings, Ceduna Koonibba Aboriginal Health service provides health checks to women, babies and children up to school age.

“This means mothers and children in this community are being referred to specialist services including paediatricians, ear and eye specialists, dentists, occupational and speech therapists and dieticians,” said Minister Wyatt.

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