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2024 Australian Early Development Census Results Released for Greater Shepparton
Posted on
Friday 15th of August, 2025,
The Greater Shepparton Best Start Alliance remains committed to improving outcomes for local children, following the release of the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) results.
Conducted nationally every three years, the AEDC provides vital insights into children’s development prior to starting school, based on data collected during their first year of full-time education. The 2024 collection marks the sixth national dataset since the census began in 2009, measuring development across five key domains:
Physical health and wellbeing
Social competence
Emotional maturity
Language and cognitive skills
Communication and general knowledge
Each local government area receives a community profile outlining how well children have been supported in their early years, prior to school, with results categorised as developmentally on track, at risk, or vulnerable.
The latest results for Greater Shepparton show that 34 per cent of children are considered developmentally vulnerable in one or more domains, an increase from the previous census in 2021. Notably, there has been a rise in vulnerability in the areas of social competence and emotional maturity, reflecting broader state and national trends.
This shift underscores the ongoing impact of challenges faced by the community since 2021, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 2022 flood event, and rising cost-of-living pressures.
Belinda Whitelaw, Best Start Alliance, said the results reinforce the need for a coordinated, community-wide response.
“We know the early years are critical to lifelong wellbeing, and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure every child in Greater Shepparton has the opportunity to thrive. The AEDC data will help guide strategic planning and strengthen collective efforts to support children and families,” she said.
The Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Alliance, comprising CEOs and senior managers from key organisations across the region, will use the AEDC data to inform an updated Early Years Plan. This plan will guide collaborative action to improve developmental outcomes and ensure services are responsive to community needs.
For further information, please call Council's Early Years Services department on 03 5832 9783 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
Posted on Friday 15th of August, 2025,
The Greater Shepparton Best Start Alliance remains committed to improving outcomes for local children, following the release of the 2024 Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) results.
Conducted nationally every three years, the AEDC provides vital insights into children’s development prior to starting school, based on data collected during their first year of full-time education. The 2024 collection marks the sixth national dataset since the census began in 2009, measuring development across five key domains:
Each local government area receives a community profile outlining how well children have been supported in their early years, prior to school, with results categorised as developmentally on track, at risk, or vulnerable.
The latest results for Greater Shepparton show that 34 per cent of children are considered developmentally vulnerable in one or more domains, an increase from the previous census in 2021. Notably, there has been a rise in vulnerability in the areas of social competence and emotional maturity, reflecting broader state and national trends.
This shift underscores the ongoing impact of challenges faced by the community since 2021, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 2022 flood event, and rising cost-of-living pressures.
Belinda Whitelaw, Best Start Alliance, said the results reinforce the need for a coordinated, community-wide response.
“We know the early years are critical to lifelong wellbeing, and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure every child in Greater Shepparton has the opportunity to thrive. The AEDC data will help guide strategic planning and strengthen collective efforts to support children and families,” she said.
The Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Alliance, comprising CEOs and senior managers from key organisations across the region, will use the AEDC data to inform an updated Early Years Plan. This plan will guide collaborative action to improve developmental outcomes and ensure services are responsive to community needs.
For further information, please call Council's Early Years Services department on 03 5832 9783 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au.
More News from Greater Shepparton
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Make your next career move at Council’s Early Years Recruitment Day
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Thursday 2nd of October,
Greater Shepparton to host 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference
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Wednesday 1st of October,
Nominations now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards
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Tuesday 30th of September,
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Monday 29th of September,
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Monday 29th of September,
Tatura and district community invited to engage with Police and Council at Tatura Community Meeting
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More Events in Greater Shepparton
Saturday 11th of October,
Shepparton Senior Citizens Monster Garage Sale
The Shepparton Senior Citizens Club invites everyone to our Monster Garage Sale at our clubrooms. This event is a fundraiser for the club. Read more
Friday 10th of October, – to Saturday 11th of October,
149th Annual Shepparton Show
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Sunday 12th of October,
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Saturday 11th of October,
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Saturday 11th of October,
Nature Photography
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Friday 10th of October,
Puff Walk
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