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    By Five Wimmera Southern Mallee Early Years Initiative executive officer Jo Martin

Securing the future for childhood health organisation

By Jo Martin

Children across the Wimmera are 40 per cent more likely to be developmentally vulnerable compared to the Victorian average. That simply is not good enough. 

The By Five initiative, a landmark four-year program funded by the Andrews Labor Government, has made remarkable strides in narrowing the vulnerability divide between rural and urban children. 

Focused on the Wimmera Southern Mallee region, this groundbreaking effort has created transformative opportunities to improve early childhood outcomes and promote health equity. 



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However, with its critical funding set to expire in 2025, the question looms: what will happen if By Five is not refunded?

Since its inception, By Five has demonstrated the extraordinary potential of collaboration. 

By bringing together parents, health, education, and social care professionals alongside local governments, the initiative has tackled systemic challenges head-on, addressing everything from funding complexities to service delivery gaps. Its innovative approach has led to tangible, life-changing results.

Transformative achievements

Access to localised paediatric care: More than 500 children have gained access to tertiary paediatric care close to home, supported by more than 100 local health professionals. Families have been spared the financial and emotional toll of long-distance travel, with vital healthcare now available in rural communities. This achievement not only supports children’s health but strengthens local healthcare systems.

Innovative telehealth services: By Five has championed a telehealth model delivering speech, occupational, and psychological therapy directly to schools. These services have made therapy accessible to rural children, involving families and educators in their developmental journey. The impact has been described as ‘phenomenal’ and ‘life-changing.’

Empowering local professionals: The initiative has connected and empowered more than 200 local professionals, using their insights to design solutions tailored to rural challenges. This approach has built trust and ensured services address the unique needs of Wimmera communities.

Advocating for structural reform: By Five has relentlessly advocated for systemic reform to achieve lasting health and education equity.  Efforts have included facilitating local voices in national discussions such as the Productivity Commission hearings into early childhood education, to hosting visits from various leaders, which must include a physical visit to our towns including Goroke, Harrow, Beulah and Rainbow. These actions ensure rural challenges are heard from those on the ground.

The risks of non-refunding

Without a renewed four-year commitment from the State Government, the progress achieved by By Five risks being lost. 

To sustain and scale these successes, ongoing funding is essential. Now is the time to double down, ensuring every child – regardless of where they live – has the opportunity to thrive. 

Let’s finish what we’ve started and secure a brighter, more equitable future for all, so if you get a chance to mention the good work of By Five in your circles you will be doing your part for our future generation.