The Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children (IDAC) has announced the second approved site under the Building Fund co-investment to establish an integrated early years hub at Davoren Park in Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

The project represents a shared investment between the Australian Government, the South Australian Government, Minderoo Foundation and local provider Northern Area Community and Youth Services (NACYS), demonstrating how governments and philanthropy can work together to expand access to high-quality early childhood education and integrated family support.

The $16.3 million partnership project will increase the number of early learning places from 55 to 100 while creating a purpose-built integrated hub alongside Swallowcliffe P-6 School. The investment includes $5.5 million from the Australian Government, $7.8 million from the South Australian Government and $3.0 million from Minderoo.

Davoren Park is an area of South Australia with persistent disadvantage and has been identified as a childcare desert, making it a priority location for expanding access to quality early learning and family services. The new hub will build on NACYS’ longstanding role in the community and strengthen links between education, health, parenting support and community services in one accessible location.

The Integrated Hub builds on broader momentum for early years reform in South Australia, complementing existing partnership initiatives between IDAC philanthropic partners and the South Australian Government. This includes the Children in the North Alliance, a 10-year partnership between the South Australian Government and Minderoo Foundation, and the Preschool Plus evaluation led by the University of Adelaide in partnership with the South Australian Government and backed by the Eureka Benevolent Foundation. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared focus on integrated early years services and improving outcomes for children and families.

The announcement in Davoren Park marks another important step in the national expansion of the Building Fund co-investment, following the first site in Derby, Western Australia earlier this year.

Quotes attributable to Australian Minister for Early Childhood Education and Minister for Youth, Senator Dr Jess Walsh

“We’re building more quality not-for-profit services where families need them most. That’s why we’re proud to partner with the Malinauskas Government and IDAC to deliver this new hub for Davoren Park families.

This is a great example of working with the local community and listening to what they need. These much-needed extra places will mean greater access to early learning for local families and give children a great start in life. And co-locating the service with Swallowcliffe School will help children transition to school and give families a one-stop drop.”

Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Lucy Hood

“We’ve seen how the integrated hubs model is helping South Australian families access the services they need under one roof. Expanding this support in Adelaide’s north is another significant step in improving learning and development outcomes to set all kids up for the best start in life.

NACYS has been part of the northern Adelaide community for decades and we are pleased to stand with federal and philanthropic partners to help this local organisation continue to grow.”

Quotes attributable to John Hartman, CEO, Minderoo Foundation

“Investing in early childhood is crucial to ensuring every child and family is supported with fair access to high-quality facilities.

Establishing this Integrated Hub in Davoren Park is a great example of what can be done when government and philanthropy work together with local leaders through a place-based approach to ensure children, families and communities have the support they need to thrive.”

Quotes attributable to NACYS CEO, Claire Taylor

“We are excited to be part of this announcement. More than a new facility, the Integrated Hub will be an anchor point for the whole community – expanding access to high-quality early education and care right where families need it.

Children’s earliest years matter, and this Hub will ensure more local children get the strong start they deserve, surrounded by the supports their families need to thrive. It also represents an important contribution to the shared aims of Children in the North. We look forward to seeing its doors open.”

Quotes attributable to Simon Factor, Executive Convenor, IDAC

“The Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children (IDAC) has reached another important milestone with the approval of the second Building Early Education Fund (BEEF) site at Davoren Park in Adelaide’s North.

This project shows what is possible when governments, philanthropy and communities work together around a shared goal. By combining investment with trusted local leadership, we’re creating the conditions for children and families to access the support they need from the earliest years.”