First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing to build new Early Years Hub in Frankston

First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing (FPHW) is proud to announce we have been selected to build and open the First Peoples’ Early Years Hub in Frankston.

This new integrated children’s centre will offer our communities a culturally-grounded and safe kindergarten and long day care service with early years and allied health care all on the one site.

The Hub will be built on land purchased opposite our existing Frankston Clinic creating a unique opportunity for a health and wellbeing precinct for families accessing our services.

FPHW is one of two Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) selected to operate an integrated children’s centre under a landmark investment by the Albanese and Allan Labor Governments as part of the Federal Government’s Building Early Education Fund. The investment recognises the vital role ACCOs play in delivering self-determined, culturally-safe services for First Peoples communities.

First Peoples’ Early Years Hub in Frankston is expected to open in 2028-29. FPHW has commenced planning with Architectural Firm, Moussaoui who will engage with Community and stakeholders to understand how the space will respond to local service needs.  

“This is a profoundly significant moment for First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing and for our community,” said Karinda Taylor, CEO of FPHW.

“We have been working towards this vision for years. Purchasing this land was an act of self-determination and now, with this investment from both the Federal and Victorian Governments, we can bring that vision to life. The First Peoples’ Early Years Hub will be a place where our children are nurtured on Country, where families are supported holistically, and where culture is woven into every part of the experience from day one.

“We know that the early years are the foundation of lifelong learning, as well as health and wellbeing. As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, we are uniquely placed to provide care that truly reflects the needs, values and aspirations of First Nations families in Frankston and the Bayside Peninsula Area”.

Quotes attributable to FPHW CEO, Karinda Taylor:

”For too long, Aboriginal families have had to navigate systems that weren’t designed with them or for them. This hub changes that. We are proud to have the opportunity to show what is possible when our community leads, and we are committed to making this hub a model for what Aboriginal-led early childhood care can look like”.

“Purchasing this land ourselves means this hub will always belong to our community. The early years are where identity is formed, where belonging is felt, and where the foundation for lifelong wellbeing is built. Our children deserve to experience all of that in a place that was created for them.”

About First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing

First Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation providing culturally-safe, holistic health and wellbeing services to First Peoples communities across Melbourne’s northern and south-eastern suburbs. FPHW offers a wide range of services including general practice, social and emotional wellbeing, women’s and men’s health, chronic disease management, child hearing, vaccinations, and early parenting care.

For media enquires:

Karinda Taylor

CEO

Karinda.Taylor@fphw.org.au