March 1, 2023
A nationwide census of early childhood development allegedly shows many South Burnett children are behind their peers when they start school.
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a nationwide census of early childhood development at the time children commence their first year of full-time school.
In a joint statement, Mayor Brett Otto and Cr Danita Potter said the 2021 Community Profile for the South Burnett showed that almost one in three South Burnett children were “developmentally vulnerable”.
This compared with the Queensland average of 24.7 per cent and the Australian average of 22 per cent.
“These results tell us that we need to come together as a community to work together on priorities and changes that will make a difference for all of our South Burnett children,” the statement said.
“The South Burnett Regional Council and the South Burnett Partnerships 4 Kids will be hosting community forums across the South Burnett in March and April to discuss how to help South Burnett children reach their potential.”
The forums will be held from 6:00pm-7:00pm (after a meet and greet from 5:30pm) at:
- Murgon Town Hall – March 20: Register here
- Nanango Cultural Centre – March 21: Register here
- Wondai Town Hall – April 18: Register here
- Blackbutt State School Hall – April 19: Register here
- Kingaroy Town Hall – April 20: Register here
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South Burnett results for children “developmentally vulnerable” in one or more of five developmental categories (ie. Physical Health and Wellbeing, Social Competence, Emotional Maturity, Language and Cognitive Skills, Communication Skills and General Knowledge):
Kilkivan – 25.0
Kingaroy – 32.3
Murgon – 45.2
Nanango – 19.0
Wondai – 34.0
External links:
- AEDC results (Select Community)
- Understanding AEDC results
- About the AEDC Categories
