This project, in partnership with the Royal Children’s Hospital, was never intended to be ‘just another service’ in the ever coming and going, opening and closing, trying and trialling, revolving door of projects and programs that seem to fly in and fly out of places like ours.

Many of us will have driven or visited our hometowns over the Christmas and New Year break and for those who have been ‘home’ we can probably see firsthand the changes over time; some are fabulous and others, particularly population decline, are particularly more notable.

How often do you find yourself passing judgement on other parents, children or people in general - either outwardly or mentally? Perhaps more often than we care to admit?

As we all race to get everything done before going on Christmas leave, it is also nice to take the opportunity to reflect on the year that’s been.

The By Five Paediatric Program has been recognised with a prestigious Victorian Early Years Award 2023 for ‘Promoting Children’s Health and Wellbeing’., in partnership with the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.

By Five facilitated a trial handover session with some our Horsham kindergartens and Primary Schools at Federation University. A group of enthusiastic staff gathered together for a quick cuppa and then spent some time in a professional handover session.

By Five held our inaugural ‘Friends of By Five’ catch-up in the sunshine at the park, meeting with parents and children from across the Wimmera Southern Mallee, and hearing from them what it’s like raising a family in our region.

Let’s catch up in the September & October 2023 edition of our newsletter!

In late October, By Five along with our friends at the North Central LLEN, hosted an ECEC for Rural Communities Roundtable in Warracknabeal to discuss the barriers around accessing equitable childcare in small rural communities.

We are blown away by the response to the Children’s Week Street Art Gallery across the Wimmera Southern Mallee and we want to thank EVERYONE who got involved for such an important week.

Recently, By Five facilitated a Kinder to School transition discussion in Horsham with our local kindergarten and schools, and representatives from the Department of Education.

By Five are thrilled that their flagship Paediatric Project has been announced as a finalist in the 2023 Victorian Early Years Awards for ‘Promoting Children’s Health and Wellbeing’.

In August, the Australian College of Midwives and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia coordinated a national forum to drive solutions to improve and sustain access to safe and quality maternity care in rural and remote Australia.

To celebrate Children’s Week this year, By Five in partnership with West Wimmera Shire, Hindmarsh Shire, Yarriambiack Shire, Northern Grampians Shire and Horsham Rural City, are creating ‘Street Art Galleries’ around our towns by showcasing children’s artwork in local business windows.

Let’s catch up in the July & August 2023 edition of our newsletter!

‘Legends for Little Locals’ are individuals, groups or places in our community who positively impact the lives of children, and we want to share their stories to inspire others to emulate this goodwill.

By Five commissioned the Centre for Community Child Health (CCCH) to evaluate the paediatric work we have been undertaking over the past two years.

It is great to hear conversations taking place regarding how safe, quality maternity care can be delivered in a rural setting with women and families at the center.

Being able to access childcare in rural communities, shouldn’t be about luck or viability.

Hello from the mighty Murray!