Federal member for Page Kevin Hogan said children in Goonellabah are among an extra 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities set to benefit from the Federal Government’s expansion of the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY).
“HIPPY is a two-year home-based parenting and early childhood learning programme run in the year before formal schooling,” he said.
“It both supports parents and gives them – and other carers – the skills to be their child’s first teacher so their child starts school knowing the basics.
“I am pleased the programme is being rolled out in Goonellabah because it will make a real difference in the lives of local Indigenous families.
“It’s extremely important to put the foundations in place so that children can do well at school. HIPPY encourages children to enjoy learning in the family home and I think it’s great not only for children, but for their parents as well.
“Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents will soon have the chance to help their children engage in the learning process at home; something that definitely improves their success at school.
“The extra sites mean HIPPY will operate in 100 communities across Australia, benefiting around 4,000 children each year. The Government has invested more than $100 million in the HIPPY programme since 2008.”
HIPPY is managed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence on behalf of the Australian Government through HIPPY Australia.
Expressions of interest are now open to select not-for-profit service providers to deliver HIPPY in Goonellabah from mid-2015.
To find out more or for enquiries on how to participate in the programme, parents and carers can visit www.hippyaustralia.org.au or phone (03) 9445 2400.
