Communique - Early Years Committee

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) held the inaugural Early Years Committee meeting in Sydney on the 18 and 19 September 2025.

The Committee provides advice focussed on examining issues and making recommendations to the Association Management Committee. Members emphasised the importance of consistent, longer terms to sustain momentum and ensure continuity in this critical space.

The NSW Department of Education (DoE) presented on the update on the recent budget announcements, the First Steps strategy, the Aboriginal Cultural Safety Framework, Designated Aboriginal Public Preschools and the delivery of Language and Culture in Public Preschools.

The Secretariat provided an update on the Early Childhood Community Engagement Officers (ECCEOs) including the high impact to date, and some of the barriers and challenges ahead.

The Committee heard an update on Brighter Beginnings, a cross-agency program led by the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) and delivered in partnership with eight government agencies.

Representatives from the NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Regulatory Authority presented on the work in supporting 6,200 services across NSW and outlined its focus on transparency, accountability, and child safety.

The Committee workshopped the strategic priorities for the NSW AECG, aligning with the priorities of the NSW AECGs Strategic Plan.