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Integrated Hubs Establishment Funding (available from 2028)

Establishment funding is one-off funding to support a Service with activities to establish the Integrated Hub service model and offering, and may include the commencement of a proportion of the funded roles earlier than the Service Offer to undertake preparation activities. Funding is designed to support (with OECD's assistance):

  • Leading LEG process
  • Leading place-based engagement
  • Development of Service Offer
  • Identifying children and families who may benefit from Preschool Plus and supporting enrolment

Spending rules

Allowable expenditure

Establishment funding can be used at the Director's discretion for items, activities or resources that contribute to the establishment of the Integrated Hub Service. This may include:

  • place-based community consultation activities
  • IT equipment, software and installation that supports the provision of community programs for children and families or OECD funded staff
  • staffing backfill to release existing staff to undertake Integrated Hub specific duties
  • staff training with a focus on community engagement and Integrated Hub approaches
  • furnishings for community spaces
  • commencement of the Integrated Hubs funded roles.

Funding restrictions

Funding cannot be used for items, activities or resources that contribute to the general service operations. This may include:

  • preschool education or play resources (child-related resources such as paint, paper, books, puzzles etc.)
  • employment of staff to work directly with children or to undertake preschool related duties
  • IT equipment, software and installation that supports the preschool or long day care staff
  • to undertake works associated with a NQS Assessment and Rating visit
  • capital works to the Recipient’s existing premises and general maintenance
  • allowable expenditure of other Funded Program Streams supported by the OECD, if the budget for that stream has been expended or exceeded.

Any unspent Integrated Hub Establishment funding can be retained by the Service, except if the underspend is the result of the Service withdrawing as an Integrated Hub.

Program reporting

Integrated Hubs Establishment funding will also need to be accounted for in the service-level annual financial acquittal.