Back in November, I discussed the Enhancing Early Childhood Education and Care (EECEC) Project Summary Report. I emphasised that this report wasn’t just a routine document; it was a strategic blueprint to address the Central Highlands’ pressing ECEC shortages.

The first quarter of 2026 has been full on as we move from research to funded infrastructure.

A Major Bid for Local Talent
CHDC has submitted an application for significant funding from the QLD Government’s Workforce Connect Fund to establish the Central Highlands Workforce Connect GROW Hub. This project focuses on activation infrastructure that will bridge the gap between interest and employment.

If our submission is successful, the GROW Hub will assist nine job seekers, establish three new Family Day Care services with startup funding packages, and train four local educators as assessors to reduce our region’s reliance on fly-in models.

Collaborative Heavy Lifting
CHDC isn’t just submitting its own bid; we are also working side by side with partners to ensure the Central Highlands speaks with one voice. Our data is now the shared truth for major grant applications by C&K Blackwater, Family Day Care Queensland and Emerald’s Borilla Community Early Learning.

The Path Forward
As I said at Blackwater’s recent Community Reference Group (CRG) meeting, the finish line keeps getting pulled back, but we’re staying in the race. These funds are highly competitive, and success is never guaranteed. However, we have already moved from proving a problem to building the solutions. We have completed the groundwork and we are now prepared to cultivate our own workforce from the ground up.