The Smith Family’s Let’s Read program has been running in the City of Whittlesea since 2012 and is an example of a successful early literacy initiative the partnership wants to see more of.
Let’s Read is designed to get parents reading to their young children, to have the kids develop a love of books and build the foundations for children’s reading and writing skills.
The Smith Family’s Victorian general manager, Anton Leschen, said, “Reading with children from birth to age five is probably the single most important activity families can undertake to enhance their children’s future ability to read and write.”
The program has grown significantly in the municipality. In 2012, 273 children took part; last year that figure jumped to 600.
The City of Whittlesea’s population is forecast to grow from 176,595 to 297,151 by 2031. According to council estimates, the most significant population growth in the next three years will be from birth to eight, from nine to 12, and between 35 and 49.
The Smith Family is one of more than 40 welfare and community agencies calling for $2.3 million from the major political parties to fund a pilot project to stamp out disadvantage in Whittlesea.
In the lead-up to the November state election, the 45 agencies that make up the Whittlesea Community Futures Partnership (WCFP) are seeking support to establish early intervention strategies for young children and families.
The Whittlesea Community Futures Partnership is fighting for families on the edge.
THE PLEDGE
The City of Whittlesea is one of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities and its rapid transformation stretches services and infrastructure to the limits. A tipping point has been reached, with families on the edge. The Whittlesea Community Futures Partnership pledges to:
■ Advocate for fairer distribution of resources for the growing communities of the City of Whittlesea to ensure we create liveable communities in Melbourne’s fringe.
■ Work together in reducing the service gaps and improving the life outcomes of City of Whittlesea communities to ensure they are not disadvantaged by where they live.
■ Work in partnership with all levels of the government to support and ensure they fulfil their obligations in building sustainable and liveable communities in the City of Whittlesea.
Northern star Weekly is supporting the initiative.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
You can sign the Fairer Funding petition at www.fairerfunding.com.au, share stories through video and photos on the Fairer Funding Facebook page about how a lack of services affects you, and check the campaign’s progress on Twitter by following @fairerfunding.
OUR STORIES
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Whittlesea community groups fight for a fair go
Whittlesea youth foyer plan wins Mission backing
Northern Star Weekly also welcomes your stories – emaillcottee@starweekly.com.au.
