Ninety Mile Consulting (NMC) is proud to partner with Golden Plains Shire Council to develop an inclusive and forward-thinking Municipal Early Years and Children’s Plan. This vital project will shape the future of services and programs for children, young people, and families across the region, ensuring their voices are central to decision-making.

Unique Location

Golden Plains Shire is uniquely positioned between two major hubs – Geelong and Ballarat, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Often overlooked due to its location, the Shire spans a vast area with communities spread across northern and southern townships. This geographic diversity requires tailored approaches to address the varied needs of children and youth across the region.

The Approach

The project places community input at its core, with an extensive engagement process already underway. NMC has commenced:

• Consultations with Council staff, local schools, childcare providers, and health and social services representatives to understand current gaps and opportunities

• Ongoing listening sessions with children in key locations like primary schools, early learning services, and supported playgroups to gather diverse insights and capture the voice of the children and their families
• A Community-Wide Survey inviting all residents to share their perspectives and experiences, and quantify the data to inform our analysis

NMC will be working closely with stakeholders to co-design practical and impactful solutions. This collaborative approach ensures that the strategies we develop reflect the real needs and aspirations of the people they are meant to support, empowering families to shape the future of services that impact their lives. Through co-design, we will also be able to foster a sense of ownership and shared responsibility, ensuring that the solutions we implement are sustainable, effective, and truly community driven.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to move into the next phase of the plan, which will involve refining our findings, prioritising key areas for action, and working together to design tailored programs that align with community needs. Through this partnership, NMC and Golden Plains Shire Council are committed to developing a plan that ensures a brighter for every family across this diverse and dynamic community.

Stay tuned for updates as we progress toward a brighter future for Golden Plains Shire!