General News
27 September, 2024
Go Goldfields aims for gold
In the midst of ongoing funding uncertainty, the local Go Goldfields initiative could receive a state-level recognition after being named a finalist in the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards.
The team running the Central Goldfield Shire backed scheme are a single step away from claiming accolades in two out of nine categories.
Go Goldfields’ programs — Great Start to School and The Nest — have both made it to the final stage in the Continuity of Early Learning, and Supporting Parents to Build their Capacity and Confidence categories respectively.
Organised by Victoria’s Depart-ment of Education, these awards aim to “celebrate the outstanding work” of early childhood professionals improving the health, learning, development and well-being of children and their families in the state.
Winners are set to be announced at a ceremony in November, and if Go Goldfields’ efforts were noted it could open up additional avenues for the initiative.
In February this year, The Advertiser reported on Go Goldfields’ dire financial straits.
At the time it was revealed the initiative was operating with rapidly depleting reserves which would force it to discontinue its services.
Being named a finalist, could however, change that according to council’s manager children and families Carolyn Bartholomeusz.
“Go Goldfields has no ongoing funding — the previous grant from the Victorian Government has been expended,” she said.
“Contracts for staff working in the backbone already have or are about to expire without ability to renew them.
“The finalist announcement is very welcome external recognition of the work Go Goldfields has led through the Every Child, Every Chance initiative and acknowledges the leadership we have taken in the community to build parents’ confi-dence and support the continuity of early learning.
“This is really important when we are advocating for ongoing financial investment in these local ap-proaches.”
Without further external funding, the work of Go Goldfields in the community cannot continue, Ms Bartholomeusz said.
“The Nest facilitator role is due to expire in February 2025 and while council is able to provide the infrastructure, the facilitator role is critical to providing the support to families and coordinating program-ming in the space for parenting courses and other services,” she said.
Central Goldfields Shire interim CEO Sally Jones said council is continuing to advocate for the program’s longevity.
“We know that through working closely with families from pregnancy through to primary school — we can make a difference,” she said.
“That’s why we continue to advocate to state and federal government for the funding and resources we need to ensure the work of Go Goldfields can continue to have an impact in our community.”