Bunbury Early Years Network » Early Years Projects

Since the formation of the Bunbury Early Years Network in late 2004, there have been many success stories, unexpected outcomes and a great deal of positive energy. Improved interaction and coordination has resulted in many local projects and activities happening in the region, led by community agencies and government departments.

Nominated in the 2007 Community Services Awards for Strengthening Communities

With Head, Heart & Hand is Bunbury’s Teen and Young Mums Group, which caters for young women 14-22, who are pregnant or parenting.

With Head, Heart & Hand meets weekly at Milligan, in two groups (pregnancy and parenting), and operates from a peer support, parent education framework. Keryn Coles, a young mum (and past participant) is employed in a peer support role.

The groups focus on parenting (child development, discipline, protective behaviors); healthy relationships (domestic violence, support, communication); self care (maternal health, depression, support); and pathways to employment, education and training.

Participants are involved in interactive sessions with their babies, group sessions and guest presentations. As well as undertaking peer advocacy activities which support themselves and others in the community.

The City of Bunbury's Community Literacy Project involved two key literacy programs. Firstly a Parent-Child Mother Goose program "Baby Beats" was begun, utilising songs, rhymes and stories as an interactive medium for parents and children. Baby Beats operated two programs, one specifically aimed at young mothers (under 25), and the other an open community group. Baby Beats was a collaboration between the City of Bunbury, WA Country Health Services - South West, and Milligan's Young Mums Group "With Head, Heart & Hand".

The second phase of the project was the development of a Family Literacy Centre at Wither Library.

Koolangka Mia Mia Aboriginal Corporation recieved Early Years Strategy funding in 2006, to run a program targeting local Noongar families.

Koolangka Mia Mia has grown as an organisation and now operates an Indigenous Child Care Service.

You can contact Koolangka Mia Mia's coordinator- Annette Garlett on 9792 5217 or find them in Bunbury at 56 Austral Parade.

PlayGroup Project

"In a Child's Mind - Making the connections" is a project aimed at developing a best practice model for linking new parents with playgroups and supporting parents to be active in their child's interactions within positive playgroup settings.

The project is based on the premise “it takes a village to raise a child” and the theory that by establishing a conscious culture of identifying the strengths of the child the entire community will benefit.

The “In a Child’s Mind – Making the Connections” project in the Greater Bunbury area aims to reinforce the perception of children being competent, capable, curious and creative and integral to this project. The aim of the project is to develop a sustainable, inclusive culture of support for children and their families through links with the community and in particular with local playgroups. The overall aim of the project links with the Playgroup WA (Inc) philosophy of “communities enriched through playgroups”.

MyTime is a local group providing support for mums, dads, grandparents and anyone caring for a young child 0-6 years with a disability or chronic medical condition.

MyTime gives carers the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other parents/carers who understand the rewards and intensity of the caring role.

- We offers these carers the opportunity to:
- meet other parents experiencing similar situations
- socialize, have fun and hear from others
- find out about local community support
- receive information from guest speakers
- make time for you….

We provide a play helper who can lead children in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand, which allows parents to spend time focusing on catching up with others.

MyTime @ Milligan was Launched on 1st August 2007, with sessions being held weekly, during school terms at Milligan Community Learning and Resource Centre.

Naomi Amat - MyTime Facilitator
Phone: 0419 909 860
Email: mytime@milligan.org.au
Visit: www.mytime.net.au