A new early childhood education and care (ECEC) service has opened in Kowanyama, Queensland, creating more opportunities for children.
The One Tree Kowanyama Children’s Service will provide culturally safe, high-quality care for up to 30 local children, ensuring they have the best start in life.
It forms part of an Early Years Hub located on the grounds of Kowanyama State School. This hub will offer families a range of integrated services, including long day care, kindergarten, parenting and other support programs.
The initiative is a collaborative effort. Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council received funding to establish the service through the Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) Restricted Expansion Program, which aims to improve access to quality ECEC in remote communities. The council partnered with One Tree Community Services, which will act as the approved provider, and the Queensland Government provided the building for the new service and funds the hub.
This is the fourth service to open under the CCCF Restricted Expansion Program. The Kowanyama location is in addition to services in Napranum (Qld), Kununurra (WA) and Alice Springs (NT), which opened in 2025.
Minister for Early Childhood Education, Senator Dr Jess Walsh, said the One Tree Kowanyama Children’s Service is a great achievement for the whole community and congratulates Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council for its leadership.
“Early education gives children a great start in life, and First Nations children deserve access to quality and culturally safe early education and the transformative benefits it offers,” Senator Walsh said.
“This service has been created with community, for community.
“It’s a place where children can learn and grow strong in their connection to culture.”
Read the Minister’s media release.
Learn more about the CCCF Restricted Expansion Program.