In the Kutalayna/Jordan River region of Lutruwita/Tasmania, the Connected Beginnings program is reshaping early childhood outcomes through Aboriginal-led systems change. Since transitioning to the local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO), the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) in 2021, the program has demonstrated its positive impact by embedding cultural values and community leadership into every aspect of service delivery.
Connected Beginnings Lutruwita is part of the national Connected Beginnings initiative, designed to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in their early years. Connected Beginnings activities are integrated into local support services so children and families can access culturally appropriate support services. The services may include maternal and child health, early childhood and education services, family support, preschools and schools, local government and council support.
The program’s adoption of a collective impact framework has transformed how services work together in Kutalayna. Rather than operating in isolation, government agencies, health providers, early childhood services, and schools now collaborate around a shared vision for Aboriginal children. This alignment is led by TAC, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). ACCHOs are central to Aboriginal families and community for the provision of holistic and culturally safe care. ACCHOs are run by Aboriginal communities and empower self-determination, with a focus on social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing, as well as physical health, connection to Country and community, shared data, and continuous communication.
The approach is delivering better outcomes for many children. For example, one example is a local family who, after years of disengagement, began regularly attending early learning sessions and health check-ups. This shift was supported by culturally responsive outreach and the presence of Aboriginal staff who understood their journey.
Chloe Woolnough, the Program Manager of Connected Beginnings Lutruwita said that the data showed that children and families were succeeding.
"For us, data are stories. Data sovereignty means making sure those stories are held and shared in the right way, by and with community. We’re connecting and engaging with families our way and working with services and community to find the strengths in the five AEDC domains for Aboriginal children in Kutalayna, so they thrive in their formal learning but also grow strong in their connection to culture, Country and community," she said.
Connected Beginnings Lutruwita serves as the backbone organisation in the region, coordinating efforts across sectors to ensure children and families receive culturally safe and integrated support.
The TAC leads the program with a strong emphasis on cultural integrity and community voice. Their leadership has enabled a shift in how services engage with families—moving from transactional interactions to relationships built on trust and shared understanding.
Recent data reflect children in the Kutalayna region are thriving. There has been a remarkable uplift in developmental outcomes for Aboriginal children, demonstrating the strength, resilience, and commitment of families, communities, and services working together. The gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children has narrowed considerably. A testament to the region’s collective efforts and leadership. Across all developmental domains, from 2021 to 2024, community data show more children are now on track:
- Physical health and wellbeing rose from 43.8% to 77.6%
- Social competence increased from 53.6% to 63.3%
- Emotional maturity improved from 46.9% to 63.3%
- Language and cognitive skills grew from 50.0% to 59.2%
- Communication and general knowledge surged from 50.0% to 75.5%
These outcomes reflect the strength of culture, the power of connection, and the success of place-based, community-led approaches in supporting children to flourish.
Connected Beginnings Lutruwita is not only improving outcomes for children—it’s strengthening the entire community. By placing Aboriginal perspectives at the centre, the program is building a future where services reflect the values, strengths, and aspirations of the people they serve.
“We’re walking together now—families, services, and community. That’s the real change that’s making a difference,” said Chloe Woolnough.
The Connected Beginnings program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Department of Education and Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and delivered in partnership with SNAICC and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
Read more about the Connected Beginnings program here Connected Beginnings - Department of Education, Australian Government
Photos: Children enjoy on Country activities as a part of the Connected Beginnings Program