Help for Chifley parents to give kids head-start on education

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Western Sydney electorate of Chifley will benefit from early next year when their parents and carers receive extra Australian Government support to be their child’s first - and best - teacher.

Senator Marise Payne announced that Catholic Care Social Services has been chosen to deliver the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) to Indigenous families in Willmot, Shalvey, Emerton and Hebersham.

“This program gives parents of four-year-old children the skills and confidence to be their child’s first teacher,” Senator Payne said.

“It’s designed to help ensure these young children in our community are prepared with basic reading, writing and maths skills so they can make the move to primary school as successfully as possible.

“The program recognises the very important role parents can play in ensuring their child gets a great start to their education.”

Already operating in 50 communities around Australia, HIPPY is a home-based initiative which develops the foundations for school success in the home during the crucial early years.

It also offers some parents a supported pathway to employment and local level community leadership.

“I congratulate Catholic Care Social Services on being chosen to deliver HIPPY to local families and I look forward to seeing the results of their great work in helping to get more of our local kids ready for success at school from day one,” Senator Payne said.

More than $100 million has been committed to HIPPY nationally.

For more information about HIPPY, including the full list of new providers, visit http://www.hippyaustralia.org.au/.