In this bonus episode, Jeni Whalan hosts a discussion on the recent commitments from both NSW and Victoria to deliver a year of universal play-based learning for children in the year before they start school. As well as transforming early childhood education, the goal is to build the sector workforce and further boost productivity by better supporting working parents. Leslie Loble, the co-chair of the Council on Early Childhood Development and Amanda Robbins, Managing Director of Equity Economics, outline the significance of the announcement and what it’s going to take to deliver this ‘triple dividend’ over the next ten years.

In this bonus episode, Jeni Whalan hosts a discussion on the recent commitments from both NSW and Victoria to deliver a year of universal play-based learning for children in the year before they start school. As well as transforming early childhood education, the goal is to build the sector workforce and further boost productivity by better supporting working parents. Leslie Loble, the co-chair of the Council on Early Childhood Development and Amanda Robbins, Managing Director of Equity Economics, outline the significance of the announcement and what it’s going to take to deliver this ‘triple dividend’ over the next ten years.

Backing Kids, the second season of Life’s Lottery, explores how Australian society values children and childhood. Kids are our future, but they’re rarely at the centre when it comes to the decisions that really matter. What would it take to truly put kids at the heart of policy, of budgets, and broader public work? 

We’ll hear the voices of advocates, experts, children and their parents and caregivers with bright and practical ideas about how we can improve kids’ health and wellbeing. We’ll dive deep into the Federal Budget and explore how it does, and doesn’t, reflect the realisation of children’s rights. We’ll hear about how young First Nations voices have informed policy development to improve the lives of First Nations kids. We’ll consider how place-based, universally accessible services could better reach vulnerable families and improve the wellbeing of all children. 

Two years of the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted children’s physical and mental health, their education, and exacerbated the challenges faced by the most vulnerable. There has never been a better time to talk about how we could better back our kids and improve their odds in Life’s Lottery.

Produced by The Paul Ramsay Foundation and UTS Impact Studios.

Visit lifeslottery.com.au to learn more.

Backing Kids, the second season of Life&rsquo;s Lottery, explores how Australian society values children and childhood. Kids are our future, but they&rsquo;re rarely at the centre when it comes to the decisions that really matter. What would it take to truly put kids at the heart of policy, of budgets, and broader public work?&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll hear the voices of advocates, experts, children and their parents and caregivers with bright and practical ideas about how we can improve kids&rsquo; health and wellbeing. We&rsquo;ll dive deep into the Federal Budget and explore how it does, and doesn&rsquo;t, reflect the realisation of children&rsquo;s rights. We&rsquo;ll hear about how young First Nations voices have informed policy development to improve the lives of First Nations kids. We&rsquo;ll consider how place-based, universally accessible services could better reach vulnerable families and improve the wellbeing of all children.&nbsp;
Two years of the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted children&rsquo;s physical and mental health, their education, and exacerbated the challenges faced by the most vulnerable. There has never been a better time to talk about how we could better back our kids and improve their odds in Life&rsquo;s Lottery.
Produced by The Paul Ramsay Foundation and UTS Impact Studios.
Visit <a href="http://www.lifeslottery.com.au/">lifeslottery.com.au</a> to learn more.

Life's Lottery

Backing Kids, the second season of Life’s Lottery, explores how Australian society values children and childhood. Kids are our future, but they’re rarely at the centre when it comes to the decisions that really matter. What would it take to truly put kids at the heart of policy, of budgets, and broader public work? 

We’ll hear the voices of advocates, experts, children and their parents and caregivers with bright and practical ideas about how we can improve kids’ health and wellbeing. We’ll dive deep into the Federal Budget and explore how it does, and doesn’t, reflect the realisation of children’s rights. We’ll hear about how young First Nations voices have informed policy development to improve the lives of First Nations kids. We’ll consider how place-based, universally accessible services could better reach vulnerable families and improve the wellbeing of all children. 

Two years of the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted children’s education as well as physical and mental health,  and exacerbated the challenges faced by the most vulnerable. There has never been a better time to talk about how we could better back our kids and improve their odds in Life’s Lottery.

Backing Kids, the second season of Life&rsquo;s Lottery, explores how Australian society values children and childhood. Kids are our future, but they&rsquo;re rarely at the centre when it comes to the decisions that really matter. What would it take to truly put kids at the heart of policy, of budgets, and broader public work?&nbsp;
We&rsquo;ll hear the voices of advocates, experts, children and their parents and caregivers with bright and practical ideas about how we can improve kids&rsquo; health and wellbeing. We&rsquo;ll dive deep into the Federal Budget and explore how it does, and doesn&rsquo;t, reflect the realisation of children&rsquo;s rights. We&rsquo;ll hear about how young First Nations voices have informed policy development to improve the lives of First Nations kids. We&rsquo;ll consider how place-based, universally accessible services could better reach vulnerable families and improve the wellbeing of all children.&nbsp;
Two years of the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted children&rsquo;s education as well as physical and mental health,&nbsp; and exacerbated the challenges faced by the most vulnerable. There has never been a better time to talk about how we could better back our kids and improve their odds in Life&rsquo;s Lottery.

Life's Lottery: Backing Kids

A better start: game-changing preschool reform in NSW & VIC

In this bonus episode, hosts Jeni Whalan and Glyn Davis examine the insights gained across this season of conversations about putting children at the centre of good public policy. They discuss the frustrating gap between knowledge and action when it comes to shifting the dial towards more positive outcomes for all kids. Without political leadership, meaningful consultation and targeted, place-based responses, many well-intentioned measures fail to make an impact. So is there now enough momentum to bring about real change?

We also hear from young people from the Northern Rivers region of NSW who, on top of pandemic disruptions, have also had to cope with devastating floods. Mullumbimby’s Spaghetti Circus, an arts and community engagement organisation, was inundated with water and mud. Members of the Circus community lost their homes, schools and businesses. Performers, Ellen, Maxine, Malaika and Laima share their hopes and fears for the future.

In this bonus episode, hosts Jeni Whalan and Glyn Davis examine the insights gained across this season of conversations about putting children at the centre of good public policy. They discuss the frustrating gap between knowledge and action when it comes to shifting the dial towards more positive outcomes for all kids. Without political leadership, meaningful consultation and targeted, place-based responses, many well-intentioned measures fail to make an impact. So is there now enough momentum to bring about real change?
We also hear from young people from the Northern Rivers region of NSW who, on top of pandemic disruptions, have also had to cope with devastating floods. Mullumbimby&rsquo;s Spaghetti Circus, an arts and community engagement organisation, was inundated with water and mud. Members of the Circus community lost their homes, schools and businesses. Performers, Ellen, Maxine, Malaika and Laima share their hopes and fears for the future.

Evidence is not enough: a review of Backing Kids

Kevin Watkins, London School of Economics

Marzia Yosufi, Sara Rezaei - The Wait

Credits by Finnley

‘Never again’ were words that echoed around the world in the wake of the second world war. Organisations were formed with the explicit aim of respecting and promoting international cooperation, aid and development. Only a few decades later, we have seen the first increase in poverty for a generation. Why? And why does inequality, conflict, and the impact of natural disasters still have such a disproportionate impact on children, especially those forced to leave the countries they call home? 

Kevin Watkins has spent his career speaking up for marginalised people in some of the world’s poorest countries. As a former CEO of Save the ChildrenUK, and now as a visiting professor at the London School of Economics, he gives a scathing assessment of global leadership and calls for a return to the ideals of mutual responsibility to deliver a better and more sustainable future. But there’s also cause for hope as young people find their voice, organise across borders, and speak truth to power in greater numbers.

In an excerpt from The Waitpodcast, we also hear what it's like for child refugees like Marzia Yosufi and Sara Rezaei. Now young women, they have spent years marking time in Indonesia, waiting for a chance to be resettled and to be able to continue their education, and their childhood. This excerpt contains references to suicide, so please listen with care.

With thanks to: Kevin Watkins, Marzia Yosufi, Sara Rezaei.

&lsquo;Never again&rsquo; were words that echoed around the world in the wake of the second world war. Organisations were formed with the explicit aim of respecting and promoting international cooperation, aid and development. Only a few decades later, we have seen the first increase in poverty for a generation. Why? And why does inequality, conflict, and the impact of natural disasters still have such a disproportionate impact on children, especially those forced to leave the countries they call home?&nbsp;
Kevin Watkins has spent his career speaking up for marginalised people in some of the world&rsquo;s poorest countries. As a former CEO of Save the Children UK, and now as a visiting professor at the London School of Economics, he gives a scathing assessment of global leadership and calls for a return to the ideals of mutual responsibility to deliver a better and more sustainable future. But there&rsquo;s also cause for hope as young people find their voice, organise across borders, and speak truth to power in greater numbers.
In an excerpt from <a href="https://www.thewaitpodcast.com/">The Wait</a> podcast, we also hear what it's like for child refugees like Marzia Yosufi and Sara Rezaei. Now young women, they have spent years marking time in Indonesia, waiting for a chance to be resettled and to be able to continue their education, and their childhood. This excerpt contains references to suicide, so please listen with care.
With thanks to: Kevin Watkins, Marzia Yosufi, Sara Rezaei.

Children at the centre: looking overseas

Leila Smith, Kirsten Gray, Tim Goodwin

Phil Bartlett&Charmaine Councillor

Phil B, Charmaine C and Mika

Next week on Life's Lottery

Credits by Ernie

First Nations children in Australia are some of the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised in our society. But they’re also on a journey of discovery, healing and strength through culture in response to the devastating impact of colonisation. Our guest host for this episode is Leila Smith, the CEO of the Aurora Education Foundation, which works to improve the educational outcomes of Indigenous students. Leila sits down with two other change-makers, Lawyer, Mum and former care-kid, Kirsten Gray, and Barrister and campaigner Tim Goodwin. What’s working and what’s not to improve the odds for Indigenous kids? How does a deeper understanding of culture, language, truth-telling and reconciliation benefit us all, but most importantly our future generations?

We also hear from the Ngaalang Moort: Lullabies from Home initiative. Since 2017 Community Arts Network has worked alongside Noongar artists, Elders and their families to shape the Lullabies program across Noongar Boodja, the south west of Western Australia. Over the past 6 years, more than 50 original songs have been written and recorded in Noongar language by Noongar families.

The Lullabies project imagines a future where all Noongar children grow up being lulled to sleep with songs sung in their traditional language. We hear from Noongar musicians Phil Bartlett and Charmaine Councillor, along with Charmaine’s niece, Mika Bennell about the songs that celebrate moort (family), koort (heart), woonya (love) and a legacy for all. The lullabies project is supported through the Australian Government’s Indigenous Languages and Arts program and the Australia Council for the Arts. 

With thanks to: Leila Smith, Kirsten Gray, Tim Goodwin, Charmaine Councillor, Phil Barlett, Mika Bennell, Elly Jones and the Community Arts Network. 

 

Music Credits:

Ruby’s Lullaby: Written and performed by Phyllis Bennell

Kaya Maaman Hello Daddy: By Phyllis Bennell and Mika Bennell

Kwobidak Koolang Beautiful Child: Written by Sharyn Egan, Phil Bartlett and Charmaine Councillor. Performed by Sharyn Egan.

Wargada To Search: Written by Megan Ugle and Charmaine Councillor.  Performed by Megan Ugle and Trevor Ryan.

Rock-a-bye Lullaby: Written by: Cherie Slater, Ilija Jacobs, Lola McDowell, Megan Ugle, Tammy Prior, Charmaine Councillor and Phil Bartlett.  Performed by Phil Bartlett and the Ngaalang Moort Singers.

First Nations children in Australia are some of the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised in our society. But they&rsquo;re also on a journey of discovery, healing and strength through culture in response to the devastating impact of colonisation. Our guest host for this episode is Leila Smith, the CEO of the Aurora Education Foundation, which works to improve the educational outcomes of Indigenous students. Leila sits down with two other change-makers, Lawyer, Mum and former care-kid, Kirsten Gray, and Barrister and campaigner Tim Goodwin. What&rsquo;s working and what&rsquo;s not to improve the odds for Indigenous kids? How does a deeper understanding of culture, language, truth-telling and reconciliation benefit us all, but most importantly our future generations?
We also hear from the Ngaalang Moort: Lullabies from Home initiative. Since 2017 Community Arts Network has worked alongside Noongar artists, Elders and their families to shape the Lullabies program across Noongar Boodja, the south west of Western Australia. Over the past 6 years, more than 50 original songs have been written and recorded in Noongar language by Noongar families.
The Lullabies project imagines a future where all Noongar children grow up being lulled to sleep with songs sung in their traditional language. We hear from Noongar musicians Phil Bartlett and Charmaine Councillor, along with Charmaine&rsquo;s niece, Mika Bennell about the songs that celebrate moort (family), koort (heart), woonya (love) and a legacy for all. The lullabies project is supported through the Australian Government&rsquo;s Indigenous Languages and Arts program and the Australia Council for the Arts.&nbsp;
With thanks to: Leila Smith, Kirsten Gray, Tim Goodwin, Charmaine Councillor, Phil Barlett, Mika Bennell, Elly Jones and the Community Arts Network.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Music Credits:
Ruby&rsquo;s Lullaby: Written and performed by <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;sxsrf=APq-WBvS7r4vvhsLkYGGRPiovBnJOnw-tQ:1649729575066&amp;q=Phyllis+Bennell&amp;stick=H4sIAAAAAAAAAOPgE-LVT9c3NEyvNCwoMLGoVIJw07KMCg1zDQq1lLKTrfRzS4szk_WLUpPzi1Iy89Ljk3NKi0tSi6wSi0oyi0sWsfIHZFTm5GQWKzil5uWl5uTsYGXcxc7EwQAAax4Z1F4AAAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi4irDKuY33AhVqxjgGHexKAaMQmxMoAXoECA0QAw">Phyllis Bennell</a>
Kaya Maaman Hello Daddy: By Phyllis Bennell and Mika Bennell
Kwobidak Koolang Beautiful Child: Written by Sharyn Egan, Phil Bartlett and Charmaine Councillor. Performed by Sharyn Egan.
Wargada To Search: Written by Megan Ugle and Charmaine Councillor.&nbsp; Performed by Megan Ugle and Trevor Ryan.
Rock-a-bye Lullaby: Written by: Cherie Slater, Ilija Jacobs, Lola McDowell, Megan Ugle, Tammy Prior, Charmaine Councillor and Phil Bartlett.&nbsp; Performed by Phil Bartlett and the Ngaalang Moort Singers.

A better start: game-changing preschool reform in NSW & VIC

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Life's Lottery: Backing Kids

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