ACCO Sector Strengthening
Cultural Sensitivity Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
Please note: Throughout this website, the term 'Aboriginal' respectfully refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the preference to use this term in written and spoken language to acknowledge all First Peoples of Australia. We also acknowledge that Torres Strait Islander peoples may refer to themselves as Zenadth Kes.
On this page, words including Country, Elder, Community and Culture are capitalised when used in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to reflect their Cultural significance.
Acknowledgement of Country
Skip to descriptionWe acknowledge the Aboriginal peoples as the First peoples of South Australia and as custodians of the lands, waters, skies and Communities where we live, learn and raise children. We recognise Aboriginal peoples as having the longest living Culture, raising children safe and strong in their identity, Community, Culture, and connection to Country.
We pay our deep respects to Elders past and present, and their role as the first knowledge-sharers for children. We follow in their footsteps. Aboriginal peoples, working with and for children, are central in shaping our work. Their wisdom, advice, and guidance enrich our practices, creating a more inclusive and Culturally safe environment for children and families.
We respect Aboriginal peoples’ ways of being, doing and wise practices guiding our continual learning. Together we walk and build stronger, more supportive communities for all children.
We invite you to watch and listen to our Acknowledgement of Country, developed in collaboration with our Aboriginal Leadership Committee. These words honour the wisdom and guidance that enriches our work with children, families and Communities.
The South Australian Government committed to an Early Childhood Care and Development Sector Strengthening Plan under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The Office for Early Childhood Development is committed to strengthening the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) Early Childhood Education and Care sector in South Australia through supporting services to partner with us to deliver preschool and integrated hubs.
The Aboriginal Early Childhood Strategy 2026 strengthens how we engage Aboriginal children, families and Communities in early childhood education and services.
ACCO eligibility
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) that are not currently approved providers under the National Law and National Regulations, can express interest to deliver 3- and 4-year-old preschool at any time throughout 2025 and 2026, to start in the following year or at a later date, when their service is ready.
Please contact the OECD on OECD.PreschoolFunding@sa.gov.au or express interest via South Australian Government - Expression of Interest for Early Childhood Education and Care Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
Workforce supports: Aboriginal Early Childhood Workforce Strategy
The South Australian government is investing a record $5.8 million to support the growth, development and retention of the Aboriginal early childhood education workforce.
South Australia’s Aboriginal Early Childhood Workforce Strategy (2025 – 2027) was co-designed in partnership with the South Australian Aboriginal Community to strengthen and grow the Aboriginal workforce within the early childhood sector across South Australia.
Quality uplift
OECD has partnered with the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority to design and deliver an evidence based, tailored professional learning and support program to support the quality improvement of early childhood.
The Quality Uplift Program will provide professional learning and support to more than 100 early childhood education and care services delivering 3- or 4-year-old preschool in South Australia, across three rounds, over the next 18 months.
ACCOs that would like to participate and receive support with navigating the Assessment and Rating process are welcome to join. For more information, visit the ACECQA website.
Statewide Aboriginal Professional Network
A state-wide Aboriginal Professional Network was established in 2025, with Professional Network Grant funding awarded to Tauondi Aboriginal Corporation.
The network supports the implementation of 3-year-old preschool and provides opportunities for professionals to share insights and learnings with their peers, consider ways to better address child developmental vulnerability and to collaborate and problem solve while engaging in reflective practice. All ACCO services are welcome to join.
Infrastructure grants
The Flying Start Infrastructure Grants program supports building new or expanded facilities where they are needed to support the roll-out of 3-year-old preschool.
Applicants must:
- demonstrate that they need more preschool capacity at their service
- commit to delivering a funded preschool program from the new or expanded facility for 10 years.
Both potential providers and landlords are encouraged to apply. There is no requirement to be delivering preschool at the time of application.
Integrated hubs
Integrated hubs bring together preschool, health and wellbeing services, and other tailored supports, helping families and children who will benefit most access the help they need - in one place.
A total of 20 integrated hubs will be operating across the state by 2032 - and at least 2 will be Aboriginal Community-led.
The OECD is continuing to work with non-government partners to identify further hubs.
Find out more about operating an integrated hub
Resources and support for ACCOs and workforce
For ACCOs
South Australian Aboriginal Education Training Consultative Council (SAAETCC)
The South Australian Education Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation peak body, SAAETCC works to give voice and advocacy for Aboriginal people in education and training. They support improved educational opportunities and achievements of Aboriginal people in South Australia.
Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA)
AHCSA is the peak body representing Aboriginal Community controlled health services in South Australia. AHCSA advocates for Community and supports workers with appropriate Aboriginal health programs based on a holistic perspective of health.
South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON)
SAACCON is a South Australian-based representative body made up of over 20 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and peak bodies. SAACCON works to ensure Aboriginal peoples are central to decision-making processes that affect Communities, and that Aboriginal knowledge, leadership and lived experience help shape the policies, programs and services designed to Close the Gap.
SNAICC - the National Voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
SNAICC Early Years Support works alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations to strengthen service quality, sustainability and Community leadership across early learning and care, ensuring that high-impact early childhood development services are accessible and delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
For Aboriginal workforce or students looking to enter the workforce
Tauondi Aboriginal Community College
Tauondi Aboriginal Community College is an Aboriginal Community College located at Port Adelaide, South Australia. Tauondi has been delivering nationally accredited courses and non-accredited Adult Community Education programs to the Aboriginal Community and people since 1973.
Tauondi offers taster courses in Early Childhood Education and Care, providing a stepping stone to formal education and qualification.
QualifySA
QualifySA offers financial support for both aspiring preschool teachers and educators.
The amount of financial support offered under QualifySA is higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals through the Aboriginal Pathways stream.
Have a question?
Send us an email: OECD.Engage@sa.gov.au