Prospect Community Early Education and Care

1800MEDICARE is a free, national service that provides people with 24/7 health advice, wherever they are in Australia. People can speak to a registered nurse by calling 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) or access the service via the 1800MEDICARE website (www.medicare.gov.au/1800) or app.

The 1800MEDICARE website and app provide a simple and accessible way to find health information and use easy-to-navigate tools, including a symptom checker and medicines information. The app also includes features such as electronic prescriptions and Active Script List.

The service can help when someone:
• is unsure if they need medical help
• needs advice for a non-emergency health concern
• wants help finding services in their area

When someone contacts 1800MEDICARE, a registered nurse listens to their concerns, assesses their symptoms and advises what to do next. This may include self-care or connecting them with a GP, pharmacy, local health service or emergency care if needed.
The website and app also provide access to health information and tools, including a symptom checker and medicines information, supporting people to access care in a way that suits their needs.

Community benefit:

1800MEDICARE improves access to timely health advice, particularly for people who may find it harder to access care, including those in rural and remote areas, people without a regular GP, or those needing support outside usual hours.
The service provides a simple way to enter the health system and helps people make informed decisions about their care. No Medicare card is needed to access the service.

If people are d/Deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech or communication difficulty, they can contact the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and ask to be connected to 1800MEDICARE. If English is not their primary language, they can call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be transferred to 1800MEDICARE.

https://www.1800medicare.gov.au/

1800MEDICARE | 1800MEDICARE About 1800MEDICARE1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) offers a free, 24/7 helpline where you can speak to a registered nurse about any health concern. The nurse will ask about your symptoms and guide you to the right care, whether that’s looking after yourself at home or getting help from a health service...

Some great, easy to follow resources and information

Meet Li – Diploma Educator in Whinham

Li has been part of our centre community since 2016, commencing as a casual educator after completing her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. Since joining the service, Li has worked across all age groups, bringing consistency, experience, and a strong understanding of children’s development and learning.

As a Diploma Educator in Whinham, Li supports curriculum and daily practice through thoughtful, child-focused interactions and responsive planning. Her work aligns with NQS Quality Area 1 – Educational Program and Practice, ensuring learning experiences are meaningful, inclusive, and responsive to children’s interests and developmental stages.

Li’s practice reflects our Philosophy of Education, particularly our commitment to inclusion, belonging, and respectful relationships. Li has also played an important role in supporting communication with families as a Chinese interpreter, strengthening connections and accessibility within our community. This aligns with NQS Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships.

Professional learning across inclusion, autism, child development, Marte Meo communication, routine interactions, infant care, and safety practices supports NQS Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety and Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children.

We value the care, cultural knowledge, and consistency Li brings to Whinham each day, supporting children and families to feel connected, understood, and included.

Thank you, Li

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our Biggest Morning Tea and the celebration opening of our Front Community Garden 🌿☕💛

It was wonderful to see families, children, educators and community members come together to explore the space, share a meal, connect and celebrate what this special area means for our community.

Together, we raised an incredible $518 for the Cancer Council through Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea initiative. Thank you to every person who donated, attended, cooked, helped set up, packed away or simply stopped by to share in the morning.

Our Community Garden and Meeting Place has been created with connection, reflection, belonging and community at its heart, and seeing it filled with conversation, laughter and shared experiences was incredibly meaningful.

For anyone still wishing to contribute, donations can still be made here:

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea 2026 - KERRI SMITH's Biggest Morning Tea Join me at my Biggest Morning Tea or donate online to help me reach my fundraising goal! Together, we can help Cancer Council raise much needed funds.

Meet Kylie – Child Wellbeing Officer & Assistant Director

Kylie has been part of our centre community since 2006, bringing more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education and care. With a background that includes Director roles, administration, and direct work with children, Kylie holds a dual position as Child Wellbeing Officer and Assistant Director, providing both operational leadership and direct support to children, families, and educators.

With qualifications including an Advanced Certificate and Diplomas in Children’s Services and Early Childhood Education and Care, Kylie brings extensive knowledge across compliance, curriculum, and child wellbeing. Her role aligns strongly with NQS Quality Area 7 – Governance and Leadership, supporting service operations, legislative compliance, and workforce capability, as well as Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety, through a strong focus on child protection, wellbeing, and safe practices.

Kylie’s work reflects our Philosophy of Education, particularly in supporting inclusive, responsive environments and prioritising children’s safety and wellbeing. Through guidance, mentoring, and partnership with educators and families, Kylie strengthens practice across the service, aligning with NQS Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children and Quality Area 6 – Collaborative Partnerships.

Extensive professional learning across child safety, behaviour guidance, inclusion, trauma-informed practice, family assistance law, governance, and leadership reflects Kylie’s commitment to continuous improvement and sector best practice. Her role supports educators to navigate complex situations, build capability, and maintain a strong focus on children’s rights and wellbeing.

We are grateful for the leadership, experience, and dedication Kylie brings to our centre each day. Her dual role continues to strengthen both practice and operations across the service.

Thank you, Kylie

🧡 Wear It Orange Wednesday 🧡

Today our community proudly recognises and supports the incredible work of the State Emergency Service (SES). Across Australia, SES volunteers show up in times of storm, flood, and emergency — protecting communities, supporting families, and keeping people safe when it matters most.

At Prospect Community Early Education and Care, appreciation extends especially to a very special member of our extended community — Catherine, a lifetime achievement member whose dedication, service, and commitment continue to inspire. Years of volunteering, mentoring, and care reflect the very best of community spirit and resilience.

🧡 Why this matters for our children and community
Moments like today create opportunities to:

Build children’s understanding of community helpers and safety
Strengthen a sense of Belonging through recognising those who care for others
Support Becoming by modelling respect, gratitude, and civic responsibility

This aligns closely with our Philosophy of Education — “A community of learners where children, families, and educators flourish” — as well as the Early Years Learning Framework, particularly:

Being – feeling safe, secure, and supported within a community
Belonging – recognising connection to people who protect and support
Becoming – developing awareness of roles within a community

🧡 Today, orange is more than a colour — it represents service, courage, and community.

Thank you to all SES volunteers, and especially Catherine, for everything given to keep communities safe.

Day 0ne breakfast and Morning Tea ready to go.
Dont forget to stop past.

☕💛 Supporting The Biggest Morning Tea 💛☕

During the week beginning May 18, as part of the opening of our beautiful front garden space, we will also be supporting The Biggest Morning Tea and raising funds for the Cancer Council.

Families are warmly invited to stop by between 7:15am – 9:15am each morning to enjoy a light breakfast or morning tea, explore the garden, connect with our community, and if able, make a small contribution towards this important cause.

Gold coin donation boxes will be available throughout the week, with all donations helping support the Cancer Council and the many individuals and families impacted by cancer.

Every conversation, every coffee, and every small donation helps make a difference 💛

Meet Shauna – Casual Educator across all rooms

Shauna has been part of our centre community since 2021, commencing while completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Since joining the service, Shauna has worked across all rooms, providing flexibility and continuity of care, and is currently supporting teams predominantly within Hepburn.

As a casual educator, Shauna plays an important role in maintaining consistent, responsive environments for children across the service. This aligns with NQS Quality Area 4 – Staffing Arrangements, ensuring continuity, stability, and support for both children and educators.

Shauna’s practice focuses on building respectful, responsive relationships, supporting children to feel secure, valued, and connected. This reflects our Philosophy of Education and aligns with NQS Quality Area 5 – Relationships with Children.

Professional learning in areas including child safety, inclusion, Marte Meo communication, diversity and respectful workplaces, food safety, and first aid supports NQS Quality Area 2 – Children’s Health and Safety and contributes to consistent, safe practices across the service.

Shauna’s ability to work across rooms and adapt to different environments supports children’s learning and wellbeing through continuity and familiarity.

Thank you, Shauna