How Gowrie Broadmeadows Valley Empowers Families Through Community Partnerships • Gowrie Victoria

At Gowrie Broadmeadows Valley, strong community partnerships are making a real difference for children and families.

In early childhood education, we often talk about partnerships with families. The Early Years Learning Framework highlights these as critical to children’s learning and wellbeing. But meaningful partnerships don’t end at the service gate. They extend to professionals, community organisations, and support networks. At Broadmeadows Valley, these broader partnerships are central to their philosophy, providing families with holistic support while enriching educators’ professional practice.

Embedding community support in everyday practice

One of the clearest examples of Broadmeadows Valley’s commitment to partnership is the creation of the Engagement Leader role, funded through School Readiness Funding. Engagement Leader Ebony works closely with educators to boost family engagement and connect families to services early, ideally before challenges escalate.

By ensuring that they have the background information from families about where they’re at, the team can figure out what support they might need. This early approach starts at enrolment, where educators ask families about past or current connections with support services, ensuring no opportunity for referral is missed. “Sometimes you might notice little signs that a family needs some parenting support. It’s about knowing when to step in,” says Ebony.

Making support services visible and accessible

A standout feature of Broadmeadows Valley’s model is co-locating support services onsite. This breaks down barriers around transport, stigma, and scheduling, by providing families access to supports in a familiar space.

Sometimes referring families is just about understanding the barriers, and as Early Learning Manager Michelle explains that if they know what’s getting in the way, they can match families with a service that meets that specific need. “For example, some families might benefit from a local food pantry, while others thrive with the social connection of a playgroup,” says Michelle. Support might just be as simple as helping families get out of the house and make friends.

Broadmeadows Valley also partners with programs like Mackillop Family Services, integrating social workers into the daily rhythm of the service. Ebony highlights, “we’re all one team, and you can really see that at face value.”

Authentic partnerships

At Broadmeadows Valley, partnerships are authentic and grounded in trust and shared goals, because the team genuinely want families to receive the support they need.

This proactive perspective sees staff attend network meetings, seek out joint professional learning, and welcome other professionals into their space. “We have an open-door policy,” says Educational Leader Leslie. “It’s important others see what we do; it sparks opportunities and deepens our own learning.”

Deep local connections

Both Ebony and Leslie describe a heartfelt connection to the Broadmeadows community. “I’m exactly where I need to be,” Ebony shares. “I’m passionate about this community and helping people meet their goals.” Leslie adds, “I grew up in Broadmeadows. I’ve always wanted to give back, and this is how I do it.”

Reflective questions:

What barriers are currently in place which would inhibit families access to support services?
What training or learning could help us feel more confident working with other services?
What local or relevant support services are we aware of?
Who in our team could take the lead on finding out more about local support services?
What partnerships already exist between the service and other professionals or support services?