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Goodstart stories
Celebrating 15 years of impact
154 million +
child attendances in our high quality early learning, kindergarten and preschool programs
99%
of Goodstart centres meet or exceed the National Quality Standard - our quality is sector-leading
$5.30
Social return for every $1 invested in our social purpose - proving our impact on children, families and communities across Australia
3x more
Children supported with additional needs - we're for giving every child the best start and ensuring no one misses out
Our Goodstart story
Purpose in action: Our impact at a glance
15 years
Turn back time with us
People
The change-makers who make the difference
From our founders and early supporters to our educators, Elders, thought leaders, families and children – every voice has helped shape our 15-year journey.
Meet some of the incredible Goodstarters who make every moment count — and the people behind the scenes who help drive change across our organisation and in communities around Australia.
Spotlight
People Behind Goodstart
Each month, meet some of the people who've stood with us - helping shape our 15-year journey and impact.
Aunty Flo and Ama McRose Elu
Meet two Elders – Aunty Flo and Ama McRose Elu – who have been instrumental in shaping Goodstart’s reconciliation journey since it began in 2012, providing cultural guidance and deep inspiration. Goodstart is now on its second, expanded Stretch RAP journey (2024 – 2027), and 100% of our Goodstart centres are on their reconciliation journey with Narragunnawali. These inspiring, trailblazing women have guided our work, advising on cultural practices for our centres, sharing their stories to bring truth telling to the forefront of Goodstart’s journey and by connecting with educators around the country.
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Dr Charles E. Pascal – Visionary leader and Founding Chair of Goodstart’s Thought Leaders Group
As part of our 15-year journey, we’re recognising the extraordinary people who helped shape Goodstart’s vision and impact. Among them is the late Dr Charles E. Pascal – a globally respected educator, policy leader, and long-time friend of Goodstart.
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Aunty Flo Watson and Ama McRose Elu: Weaving reconciliation through all we do, for our Elders and the next generation
Throughout our journey, we have worked to weave reconciliation through the fabric of our organisation so it's in the hearts and minds of our Goodstarters.
Purpose
We're for children; not-for-profit
The first five years shape everything that follows. Yet too many children miss out on the early learning they need to thrive. At Goodstart, we exist to change that.
As Australia’s largest not-for-profit early learning provider, we reinvest every dollar into what matters most:
- Lifting quality through evidence-based practice and professional development for educators and teachers
- Delivering social inclusion programs and allied health services for children needing extra support
- Investing in research and evidence to understand what makes the biggest difference to children
- Creating inclusive, safe and nurturing environments where every child is supported and feels a strong sense of belonging
- Collaborating with government, researchers and community partners to influence early learning policy to improve affordability, accessibility and improve participation rates, particularly for children experiencing vulnerability.
We know that investing early delivers a lifetime of return – for children, families and the nation. When children start strong, they stay strong – and no child should be left behind.
Download resources
Hear from our CEO and team in these short videos – sharing what drives us and how we bring our purpose to life, every day.
15 years on – our story of impact
Feature story: How inclusive early learning benefits everyone
Roxanna has achondroplasia and when she started her early learning at Goodstart Ringwood her parents had concerns about their daughter 'fitting in'. But what happened next is an amazing example of how every child can thrive when a strategy of inclusion is adopted.
Fast fact: 8.3% - more than 7,590 children at Goodstart last year – were supported with a diagnosed disability or developmental delay.
Possibilities
Our next chapter starts now
At Goodstart, we believe in every child’s potential – and we’re working to unlock that potential in every child. As a not-for-profit with purpose at our core, we push boundaries, lift quality and challenge systems that leave children behind.
Over the next five years, we’re doubling down on what matters most:
- High quality, inclusive early learning
- Empowered educators and leaders
- Partnerships and policies that build a fairer early learning system
- Reaching the communities too often forgotten.
Because a child’s future should never be defined by their postcode or circumstance.
We’re not just imagining what’s possible – we’re making it real.
Get to know us and our future ambitions
Our commitments
As we look to what’s next these commitments guide us. They reflect who we are, what we stand for and the actions we’re taking.
