In 2023, Council undertook community consultation where we asked “What does a good life in Moonee Valley look like for children (aged 0-6 years) and their families?”

Seven hundred and twenty-one unique contributions from parents, carers and professionals who work with families in our municipality were received, including amazing drawings capturing the voices of children. 21% of our overall responses were actually from children. We thank everyone who took the time to contribute!

We asked parents and carers -

• What do you, and your children, love about living in Moonee Valley?
• What aspirations do you have for all children in Moonee Valley?
• What could make Moonee Valley a better community for all children in the future?

We asked professionals working with children and families in our municipality -

• What do children and families love about living in Moonee Valley?
• What are the top 3 issues facing children and families in Moonee Valley?
• What could make Moonee Valley a better community for all children in the future?

We have analysed the feedback and you can find an executive summary of the consultation findings here.

Not surprisingly, across all aspects of the consultation, parks, playgrounds and open space was overwhelmingly the most popular recurring theme. Children and their families love aspects of Moonee Valley which contribute to children feeling loved, healthy, valued, and safe. This includes our libraries, existing playgroups, childcare and kindergartens, as well as services provided by Council's Maternal Child Health program.

The consultation further informed our understanding of the aspirations of our youngest community members and their families for a good life in the municipality, including suggestions to continuously improve the aspects of our municipality that families love the most. From this consultation we will be pursuing the following goals:

• Deliver an accessible, inclusive, connected and responsive child and family service system
• Create opportunities for children and families to connect, learn and experience wellbeing
• Deliver built and natural environments where children and familes are engaged, healthy and safe

We are encouraged that the themes that emerged in the feedback align significantly with the findings of the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY), a robust, evidence-based foundation used by organisations across Australia, including many local governments areas. ARACY have developed The Nest, and Council will use this Framework to guide our work in developing actions to respond to the community. You can find out more about The Nest here.

These goals outlined above will be achieved through and Action Plan, with additional initiatives reflected in MV2040, and our Council Plan and Health Plan. Consultation on these Plans will commence later this year. To stay up to date make sure you follow our dedicated Your Say page for that project.