Families across Gippsland are facing overwhelming challenges due to long waitlists, limited access, and significant gaps in early intervention services. The impact on children’s development is profound, as they miss out on crucial support during their most formative years. According to the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC), children in rural areas are up to 1.5 times more likely to be developmentally vulnerable compared to their peers in metropolitan regions. This disparity highlights a critical need for urgent action.

In Gippsland, families have reported wait times of over 12 months for essential services such as speech and occupational therapy. This delay has lasting consequences, as early intervention is key to addressing developmental delays, improving long-term outcomes, and supporting families during critical periods of growth.

One parent shared their heartbreaking experience:
"My son was referred at two years old, but we waited over a year for an appointment. We felt helpless watching him fall further behind."

Another local caregiver expressed the harsh reality many face:
"We can’t afford to travel to Melbourne every week for therapy. We need local support, not more barriers."

For too long, rural families in Gippsland have been left to navigate these challenges on their own, often without adequate support or resources. It is time to rectify these inequities.

We are calling on the Victorian Government to:

• Increase targeted funding for early intervention services in rural areas like Gippsland.
• Invest in workforce development programs to attract and retain allied health professionals in our region.
• Ensure locally delivered, culturally safe services for all families, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, so that support is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or location.

These demands align directly with Victoria’s Early Childhood Reform Plan, which emphasises the importance of equity and early intervention for all children, regardless of where they live. They also support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, underscoring the global commitment to creating fair and equitable access to essential services.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and access to early support should not depend on their postcode. It is not a luxury—it is a fundamental right that can shape a brighter future for all children.

📢 Please sign and share this petition to ensure no child in Gippsland is left behind. Together, we can make sure that all children, no matter where they live, get the support they need to thrive.