Reports & Updates

This report describes Boori Milumba, an Australian model of early years education and care which has been co-developed with, by and for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, and with project partners, to meet the cultural, learning and development, strengths and needs of Aboriginal infants and toddlers living with significant family stress and social hardship. The research and theories that provide a foundation for the co-developed model, and the reasoning for the inclusion of key elements and how they will be implemented, are detailed within this report.

This report provides an overview of a collaborative journey to co-develop an intensive Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It details how the four project partners collaborated to co-develop the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service-led program, that is responsive to community strengths, aspirations and needs. This report also provides insight into the co-development process with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and highlights how co-development recognises, demonstrates and celebrates the unique strengths of ACCOs.

The framework details the principles, benefits, challenges and processes of co-development, with a distinctive Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) service-led approach. At its core, this approach privileges the voice and leadership of ACCOs, recognising the deep understanding they have of their communities, including their aspirations, strengths, needs, and the nuanced contexts in which they operate. The co-development process is deeply rooted in the cultural values of ACCOs and their communities. It is our hope that this framework acts as a meaningful guide to those seeking to embark on future co-development projects.