The 2024 Australian Early Development Census results have been released for Greater Shepparton.
Photo by
Rodney Braithwaite
The latest Australian Early Development Census results reveal that 34 per cent of Greater Shepparton children are developmentally vulnerable in one or more domains, marking an increase from the 2021 census.
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The census, conducted every three years, measures children’s development across five domains: physical health and wellbeing, social competence, emotional maturity, language and cognitive skills, and communication and general knowledge.
The 2024 data shows a concerning rise in vulnerability, particularly in social competence and emotional maturity, aligning with state and national trends.
These changes reflect ongoing community challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, the October 2022 flood event and cost-of-living pressures.
“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,” Best Start Early Years Alliance’s Belinda Whitelaw said.
“The AEDC data will help guide strategic planning and strengthen collective efforts to support children and families.”
The Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Alliance, comprising chief executives and senior managers from regional organisations, will use these findings to develop an updated Early Years Plan, focusing on improving developmental outcomes and ensuring services meet community needs.
