January, February & March 2024
Welcome to our first newsletter edition for 2024, and what a great start to the new year it has been!
A couple of weeks ago I experienced a ‘Proud Mum’ moment that was a deviation from the norm-my children weren’t the focus.
I picked up three colleagues from the Royal Children’s Hospital and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute from the Stawell bus station, and I couldn’t help but feel excited with anticipation of ‘showing off’ our region.
As we settled on the banks of the Wimmera River at Dimboola with the sun setting, I was internally fist-pumping that the weather was magical, the setting stunning and company for dinner full of authentic local leaders.
As we toured the next day from Jeparit to Harrow, Goroke to Horsham, I couldn’t help but feel so fortunate to be surrounded by the most passionate, articulate, community-minded people.
These were not just professionals, parents, and community members- they were advocates who intimately understood their school was more than just an educational institution, their bush nursing centre transcended conventional definitions, and their kindergarten not only nurtured young minds, but also provided a haven for countless smiling faces.
“The passion in our region is palpable, the local leadership across our communities is an enormous asset.”
Our partners returned to the city with minds expanded, hearts warmed, and bags brimming with generously gifted passionfruit, a tangible symbol of the boundless enthusiasm and growth they encountered in our region.
By Five along with our allies and partners came together to passionately articulate the challenges our small rural communities face when it comes to equitable ECEC to the Productivity Commission inquiry.
During his visit to the Wimmera last week, we were fortunate to have the opportunity to present Associate Professor Gehan Roberts with a replica of our prestigious Victorian Early Years Award.
By Five had the pleasure of hosting three wonderful guests in the Wimmera last week from the Centre for Community Child Health and Royal Children's Hospital - Professor Sharon Goldfeld, Associate Professor Gehan Roberts, and Julia Mayes.
Emily and Hannah enjoyed a catch-up with our Friends of By Five member to discuss access to antenatal care across the region, and share stories of accessing care while pregnant, and post birth.
This International Women’s Day, Jo joined a panel of inspirational women on behalf of By Five.
To finish off February and farewell Summer, Cara and Hannah welcomed a small group of diverse professionals involved in our flagship Paediatric Project to participate in an early morning breakfast and workshop.
