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RAPAD Early Childhood Education and Care Alliance of Councils

The RAPAD Early Childhood Education and Care Alliance of Councils has been created to help improve and support early learning and care services for children and families across our seven council areas.

Rural, Regional & Remote ECEC Action Forum

The Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) is hosting the first Rural, Regional and Remote Early Childhood Education and Care Action Forum for the region, aimed at driving practical solutions and advocacy.

The Action Forum is being delivered by the RAPAD and the seven councils of Central West Queensland in partnership with the Future Care Project. It has been developed as a connected series with the first session set for Longreach on 18–19 May 2026 followed by Blackall on 3–4 August 2026.

Anyone with an interest in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in rural, regional and remote Australia is invited to take part with registrations open beyond the Central West.

Find out more

What is the Alliance?

The Alliance brings together representatives from across the seven member councils of the CWQ RAPAD region.

It combines both a Working Group and Steering Group, providing strategic guidance and operational collaboration to maintain and advance ECEC services in the region.

The Alliance works together to:

  • Improve access to early childhood services for all families
  • Ensure services are fair, high-quality, and meet best practice standards
  • Support and grow the local early childhood workforce
  • Use resources efficiently across the region
  • Share knowledge, ideas, and innovative solutions
  • Advocate for better services and outcomes for our communities

 

What will the Alliance do?

The Alliance will:

  • Identify and progress regional ECEC priorities.
  • Coordinate any shared advocacy and projects.
  • Provide support to councils for any ECEC service available in communities for families and children.
  • Engage with stakeholders and sector professionals.
  • Develop projects and submissions for funding or advocacy.
  • Report progress and outcomes to the RAPAD Board and other partners.

The Alliance scope does not include: operational management of council assets or direct service delivery.

 

Why focus on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC)?

RAPAD’s early work in the ECEC sector has highlighted its importance in supporting thriving communities. Having a strategic group to focus on the challenges and opportunities of ECEC will help deliver more coordinated and tailored solutions to create opportunities within the sector. The group will also be a united voice for advocacy and the vehicle to roll out project activities.

For more on RAPAD’s ECEC projects, please visit: www.rapad.com.au/projects/early-childhood-education-and-care

 

Project contact: 

Rachael Webster – Program Manager
rwebster@rapad.com.au