Mackay Connected Beginnings
What is Mackay Connected Beginnings?
Supporting Strong Starts for Our Little Learners
Connected Beginnings supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-5 years, pregnant women and their families to access the services they need for a healthy and positive start in life. Through early learning, health and family support, we help children develop the skills, confidence and wellbeing needed to thrive at school and beyond. By working closely with families and community, we aim to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow into a confident, deadly and strong little learner.
Building Pathways to Success
The early years of a child’s life play an important role in their future learning, development and wellbeing. Connected Beginnings works alongside families to improve access to childcare, health services and early learning opportunities, helping children build strong foundations before they start school. Through practical support, advocacy and community connections, we help families navigate important milestones and access the services that support their child’s growth and development.
Who can access Connected Beginnings?
Connected Beginnings supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0-5 years, pregnant women and their families living in the Mackay region who would like support accessing early childhood, health and family services.
What support does Connected Beginnings provide?
Our team can assist with birth certificate registrations, kindy and school enrolments, referrals to health and support services, cultural identity confirmation, transport to medical appointments and access to children’s playgroups and early learning opportunities.
Why are the early years so important?
The first five years of a child’s life are critical for learning, development and wellbeing. By connecting families to the right supports early, we help children develop the skills, confidence and resilience needed for a successful transition to school and lifelong learning.
How can families get involved?
Families can contact our team directly to learn more about available supports, activities and community programs. We welcome families at any stage of their early childhood journey.
Connecting Families, Culture and Community
Connected Beginnings takes a community-led approach that recognises the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. By bringing together education, health and family services, we help create stronger connections between families and the supports available to them. Our goal is to improve children’s wellbeing, strengthen family engagement and ensure every child is supported to make a positive transition into school.
Meet the Team
Project Manager
Meet Nikki
As the Manager of Connected Beginnings, working with our little ones, families, and community to ensure our children grow up strong in culture, strong in identity, and strong in belonging brings joy. I am passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in their early years and walking alongside families to create opportunities for our children to thrive.
With more than 30 years of experience across education and community services, working with people from our youngest babies through to our respected Elders, I feel privileged to serve our community. I am committed to strengthening connections, celebrating culture, and supporting positive outcomes for our children, families, and future generations.
Cultural Engagement Officer
Meet Adrienna
I like working in this role with children 0-5 years and there families and watching them grow from New born babies to Prep- School age also encouraging them to learn and grow.
Kindergarten Engagement Officer
Meet Adrienna
My role in Mackay Connected Beginnings is the kindergarten engagement officer, in my role I help families get there children a spot into kindy so that they can have a bright future, I also advocate for pregnant mums and there children. I am passionate about creating a strong future for our up and coming indigenous babies.
Cultural Engagement Officer
Meet Sally
As a Cultural Engagement Officer, I am passionate about supporting and guiding our First Nations children and families to ensure our bubs are thriving and prepared for their transition into school.
One of the most rewarding parts of my role is building strong community connections and watching our next generation grow, develop confidence, and achieve their goals. It is a privilege to contribute to their successes along the way
Giving Every Child the Best Possible Start
From pregnancy through to the first day of school, our team is here to walk alongside families every step of the way. Together, we can help our children grow healthy, strong and confident, ready to thrive at school and beyond.
Contact our Connected Beginnings team today to learn more about available supports and programs.
