By Five - An Update from Executive Officer Jo Martin

By Five: Our Success and Challenge

In 2021, By Five was launched with a four-year funding commitment to tackle a critical challenge: why children in our region were arriving at school significantly more vulnerable than the Victorian average. We knew that if our children weren’t thriving, then neither could our region. Over the past three and a half years, we have worked tirelessly to change this reality.

We have built a dedicated team with diverse skills and deep local connections. Together, with parents, health professionals, educators, and the broader community, we have identified the key barriers holding children back. We have listened to your concerns, leveraged local expertise, and collaborated on solutions — designing, trialing, and evaluating changes to systems that have historically placed stress on families and limited the success of children.

Creating Meaningful Change

One of the biggest challenges we’ve tackled is the inaccessibility of early childhood education in rural communities. Through collaboration, we have developed local solutions and a robust advocacy plan that has been heard at both the State and Commonwealth levels. The systemic changes we are pushing for are not just about today but about ensuring a sustainable, thriving future for Wimmera families. These needs are distinct from those of larger towns and cities, and we have made it clear that our region requires tailored approaches.

Beyond education, we have amplified the voices of rural parents who often feel isolated in their parenting journey. We’ve heard your struggles in accessing essential services like antenatal care, speech therapy, occupational therapy, tertiary paediatrics, and psychology. And we have made a tangible impact — shifting the dial on service accessibility and quite literally changing lives in the process.

Advocacy That’s Making a Difference

We’ve brought Wimmera’s challenges to the forefront of political and policy discussions. Through roundtables and direct engagements with State Members, Shadow Federal Members, Parliamentary Secretaries, national organisation leaders, contributed to the Productivity Commission Early Education report and we’ve ensured that our region’s needs and solutions are being heard.

The Future of By Five

As we eagerly await the outcome of the State budget, our commitment remains unwavering. We are determined to finish what we’ve started — to make the Wimmera the best place to raise a child. Our communities deserve continued support, and we will continue advocating for the long-term systematic changes needed to ensure every child in our region has the best possible start in life.