Best Start needs a hand

A VOLUNTEER is being sought for the Victorian Government’s Best Start initiative, which aims to improve the well-being and development of children.
Cardinia Shire is calling on parents to get involved in the Best Start early years initiative by applying to join the executive team.
The position available is for a parent representative, who will work with representatives from Cardinia Shire, Pakenham Consolidated School, Connections in Pakenham, and the Program and Services Advisor from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
The team reviews the action plans, agreements and budget of the project, as well as passing on information to parents at community forums.
The council’s Best Start Community Facilitator Fiona Cost said parents with an interest in supporting children in Cardinia Shire should apply.
“Applicants should outline their ability to attend meetings, and how they can contribute to the decision making of the partnership.”
Best Start is being run across the state, with 30 project sites and a strong emphasis on giving children the best possible environment.
Some of the initiatives from the project have included 15 breastfeeding chairs across the shire, Road Safety Expo and Children’s Day, the parent and professionals training calendar and the new antenatal class.
The executive team meets six times a year, and expressions of interest can be emailed to mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or posted to Fiona Cost at Cardinia Shire Council, PO Box 7, Pakenham 3810.