The recent Productivity Commission Inquiry into Early Childhood Education and Care identified Logan as one of the most underserved regions in Australia, where limited access to high quality early learning is leaving vulnerable children behind – often before they even begin school.
But progress is underway – and Australia’s largest not-for-profit early learning provider, Goodstart, is proud to be part of that change.
“Early learning is one of the most powerful interventions we have,” Goodstart CEO Dr Ros Baxter said.
“When it’s child-centric, high quality, inclusive, and built on strong partnerships with families, it truly changes lives.
“No child should be held back by their life circumstances. This isn’t just something we believe in – it’s something we’re actively investing in.”
Goodstart operates 14 centres across Logan, supporting more than 1,000 children each week with inclusive, high quality early learning and wrap-around support – including access to allied health services – that puts each child’s needs first.
“All children deserve the best possible start in life. But we also recognise that some children need more support to thrive.”
Dr Baxter visited centres in Logan recently to connect with local teams, families and children – starting at Goodstart Browns Plains – Redgum Drive, rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard.
Half of the children at Redgum Drive are at risk of not meeting key learning and development outcomes needed to successfully transition to school. These challenges range from speech delays to emotional regulation and social skills. But rather than falling through the cracks, they receive timely, targeted support – through strong educator-family partnerships, inclusive practices, and access to allied health services in-centre, including weekly visits from Goodstart’s Family and Child Practitioner.
One four-year-old kindy child was struggling with self-regulation and emotional expression. Although he didn’t qualify for NDIS support, Goodstart stepped in to fund targeted intervention – enabling him to work closely with the centre’s Family and Child Practitioner and his kindy teacher.
Since working with the Family and Child Practitioner and his kindy teacher, he’s made so much progress.
Children attending Goodstart centres can benefit from in-centre allied health services – including speech pathology and occupational therapy – delivered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). For children who aren’t eligible for NDIS, Goodstart provides funding directly – especially in high-need communities like Logan.
In the past year, Goodstart has invested more than $57.4 million into its social purpose – including $9.9 million in social inclusion, $3.5 million to support children’s access to early learning, and $6.7 million in inclusion support. Much of this has gone into high-need communities like Logan, helping ensure children and families receive the support they need to thrive.
Goodstart Browns Plains – Redgum Drive centre director Meagan Farquhar said: “We know what works – strong relationships with families, timely support, and a deep understanding of each child’s needs. Being a not-for-profit means we can focus on what matters most: children.
“This is what real impact looks like – high quality early learning reaching the children who need it most,” Ros said.
“We’re proud of the work happening at Redgum Drive and across Logan, and we’ll keep working until no child is left behind.”
