By Five Set Out to Finish What They Started

By Five Funding          

The By Five project, a four-year initiative funded by the Andrew’s Labor Government, has been working tirelessly to narrow the vulnerability divide between rural and urban children. With funding set to conclude in 2025, this groundbreaking effort has already achieved significant milestones, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovative approaches to service delivery across the Wimmera Southern Mallee.

Since its inception, By Five has brought together passionate parents, allied health professionals, maternal and child health nurses, midwives, general practitioners, early educators, schools, service providers, and local governments. This collective effort has built a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing families in equitably accessing vital services. From navigating funding complexities to bridging gaps in service delivery across different levels of government and across different sectors, the team has tackled these issues head-on.

Milestones Achieved

1. Tertiary Pediatric Services
   Over 500 children in the region have received access to tertiary paediatric care close to home supported by over 100 local health professionals. This has eliminated the need for many families to travel long distances to metropolitan areas, reducing stress and improving outcomes.

2. Innovative Telehealth Trials
   A tele-access model for speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology services was trialled in schools, enabling children to receive support in familiar environments. By involving educators and families in these sessions, the program has proven to be highly effective and accessible.

3. Empowering Local Professionals
   Collaborating with over 200 skilled local professionals, By Five has reinforced the idea that those closest to a community are best placed to support its families. This approach has strengthened trust and maximised the impact of services delivered where they are most needed.

4. Advocating for Structural Reform
   The project has been a vocal advocate for comprehensive reform in early childhood education for rural areas, emphasising that piecemeal adjustments are insufficient. Only systemic change will create lasting improvements for generations of children in our rural communities.

The Road Ahead

The journey is far from over. While By Five has demonstrated the power of systemic interventions to "change the odds" rather than simply helping families beat them, continued progress requires sustained investment. The initiative is now seeking a renewed four-year commitment from the Victorian Government. This would ensure that the proven service models can be scaled and integrated into the broader system, solidifying their impact for the long term.

The By Five project is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions. With ongoing support, it can continue transforming lives and ensuring that all children—regardless of where they live—have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can finish what we started and secure a brighter future for the next generation.

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