HIPPY Australia

When Jess* joined HIPPY with her child, she found new ways to connect with her children through play, curiosity and exploration.

Through the program, she gained tools and ideas to support her as her child’s first and most important teacher, while enjoying quality time together.

Jess says that learning to let her kids explore, play and make mistakes has helped them grow in independence and confidence.

And she isn’t alone. 99% of families say they feel closer and more connected after participating in HIPPY — strengthening relationships, building confidence, and supporting children to thrive.

This story comes from HIPPY Bowenfels, delivered locally by Centacare Central West & Orana

* Names have been changed to protect privacy

School readiness is more than learning your ABCs. It is about connection, confidence and feeling safe to explore.

At HIPPY, parents and children spend quality time learning together. This strengthens relationships and builds the early learning skills children need to start school feeling confident and ready. And yes, it’s a lot of fun!


Discover how HIPPY can support your family: https://hippyaustralia.bsl.org.au/

A huge congratulations to the Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation on the significant investment announced for a new Early Learning and Family Centre in Derby.

This investment strengthens early years services for families in Derby, Mowanjum and Pandanus Park, bringing together early learning, child and maternal health services, and family and community supports.

Supported by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, the Minderoo Foundation and the Investment Dialogue for Australia’s Children, this reflects a long‑term commitment to Closing the Gap and highlights the critical role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in improving outcomes in the early years.

BSL along with HIPPY Australia, celebrate this milestone and recognise the leadership of Rowena Mouda and the Ngunga Women's Group. We acknowledge the vital role ACCOs play in shaping strong, place‑based early years solutions. When self‑determination, cultural authority and community leadership sit at the centre of program design and delivery, outcomes for children, families and communities are strengthened.

At HIPPY Mowanjum-Derby, community and culture are at the centre of their program.

Delivered by Ngunga Women's Group, HIPPY has been operating in the community since 2016, and has supported over 160 families.

Guided by community voices and cultural knowledge, the team adapts weekly HIPPY activities to reflect children’s lives. From felt animals to community gatherings, children see their own world reflected in their learning — sparking imagination, confidence and connection.

“We’ve found ways to make the program work for our community while still keeping the heart of HIPPY.” - Shallu, HIPPY Coordinator, Mowanjum–Derby

HIPPY Australia and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence are proud to work alongside ACCOs. Ngunga's leadership shows why continued investment in community-led early years services is essential for strong outcomes for children and families.

Read the full story from Mowanjum–Derby here: https://hippyaustralia.bsl.org.au/mowanjum-derby-community/

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, January 26 is a day of mourning.

It is a day for truth-telling, reflection, and listening.

At HIPPY, it is a moment to pause with our little ones.
To have simple, honest conversations about truth, respect, and the many cultures that shape this country.

These conversations do not have to be perfect.
They grow through deep listening, learning, and walking together with care.

Through stories, cultural learning, and everyday conversations, children’s empathy and understanding grow. Families can nurture respect and build a deeper understanding of our shared history.

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This post was adapted with permission from Mud Buddies Perth , who shared a thoughtful resource to support parents to talk with children about January 26.

🎉 Congratulations for 25 years of amazing work 🎉

🎓 20 families celebrated their HIPPY graduation in North Melbourne.

Our ceremony recognised inspiring families where parents are empowered to be their child’s first teacher.

Graduate Bezawit Gizaw described the achievement with her son Yeabsira as "fabulous" – and she's now continuing her HIPPY journey as a tutor, supporting other local families. She joins fellow graduates Anastasia Popova and Natasa Vilusic, who also returned as tutors after graduating in 2024.

"I'm a migrant and my husband and I don't have any family here, so we were on our own," Ms Popova said. "HIPPY gave us that support. It's about positive reinforcement, being active, connecting with nature, bonding, and finding joy in simple play."

Ms Vilusic highlighted another vital benefit: "It's very hard here to find community – you don't even know your neighbours sometimes. This program has been amazing for that."

HIPPY Coordinator Rabab Zain said: "It not only gives parents the tools to help their children learn, but also supports them to grow their confidence and skills for future work."

For 25 years, HIPPY has helped more than 28,500 families across Australia grow and thrive. 💙

Thank you to Communicare for their ongoing support and to the Department of Social Services for funding this vital program.

Read more in North West City News: https://www.northwestcitynews.com.au/north-melbourne-families-celebrate-hippy-graduation/

Big shoutout to Alicia from HIPPY Geraldton, winner of the 2025 People’s Choice Award at the Midwest Early Years Network Awards! 🏆

Over 200 families supported, 7 years of impact, and endless empathy, kindness and creativity.

Congratulations! We’re so proud of the incredible impact our sites make in their communities 💙

HIP HIP Hooray to the 22 HIPPY - Nowra Graduates! 🎓

Last week, 19 children and their families came together to celebrate their two-year HIPPY journey.

It was a morning full of superhero capes, big smiles and lots of excitement. One family even joined over video from Hawaii to be part of the day!

We’re so proud of all HIPPY families. Good luck to our graduates as they head off to school next year!

A big shout out to Fiona Phillips MP who joined the celebration and helped present certificates to children and parents

Graduation season is here 🎓

From Nowra to North Melbourne, Mowanjum-Derby to Deception Bay, HIPPY sites across Australia are celebrating two years of learning, laughter and connection!

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing stories and highlights from HIPPY sites nationwide as we celebrate our 2025 graduates together 🌟

Congratulations to every child, family, Tutor and Coordinator for reaching this milestone!