Help shape the best start for Greater Shepparton’s children

The draft Plan is now open for feedback for three weeks, with Council inviting parents, carers, community members, and local service providers to share their thoughts.

A child’s early years, especially the first 1,000 days, are known to shape their lifelong health, learning and wellbeing. In Greater Shepparton, 800–900 babies are born each year, with each one deserving the opportunity to grow, learn and flourish.

The draft Plan was developed following a three-month consultation period, from September to November 2025, with families, community members and service providers. The feedback gathered, alongside local data and research into early childhood development, was used to develop the draft Plan which aims to ensure local children are supported by strong families, responsive services, and inclusive communities.

Council’s Manager Early Years Operations and Reform, Stacey East, said the Plan is practical and people centred, with Council and partner agencies committed to delivering services that meet real needs.

“We undertook extended consultation last year which was a great opportunity to engage directly with community members and service providers. It allowed us to gather a better understanding of what they believed was working well and where there were gaps for improvement in access, coordination and outcomes for families,” she said.

“We’ve used local data and research to develop the draft Plan, but community feedback is critical to ensuring our actions are practical, targeted and effective. The final plan will guide how Council and our partners deliver early years services over the next six years, with a strong focus on measurable outcomes for children and families.”

The draft plan outlines three key focus areas to guide community efforts over the next six years:

Home – supporting parents and caregivers as a child’s first and most important teacher
Services – ensuring services are accessible, inclusive and working together
Community – building strong connections and a supportive village for families

The draft Plan also outlines the delivery approach, including the development of annual Action Plans, which will document the programs and activities to be implemented under each of the three strategic areas over 12-month periods.

Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said community input was essential to shaping the future of local children and families.

“Every child deserves the best start in life, and parents and caregivers know their children best. The consultation undertaken last year helped Council gather lived experiences and feedback to ensure the Plan reflects and supports local families,” he said.

“Now that the Plan is drafted, we want to know if it hits the mark. We’re committed to delivering services that meet real needs which is why it’s so important we hear directly from the people who use them every day.”

The final plan will guide Council and its partners in delivering programs, services and initiatives that support children and families through the early years.

Feedback on the draft Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Strategic Plan 2026–2031 can be provided via the Shaping Greater Shepp website from now until 11.50pm on Sunday 7 June 2026.

Hard copies of the Plan and feedback forms are also available at Council’s Customer Service Counter at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton.

For more information, phone Council on 5832 9700 or email council@shepparton.vic.gov.au