The Greater Shepparton Best Start Early Years Strategic Plan 2026-2031 (the Plan) is a six-year plan that aims to improve outcomes for young children and their families living in the municipality.

It combines the Best Start and Municipal Early Years Plans into one strategic plan.

The early years, especially the first 1,000 days, shape a child’s lifelong health, learning and wellbeing.

In Greater Shepparton, nearly 800–900 babies are born each year, with each one deserving the opportunity to grow, learn and flourish.

But we know some families face challenges, and together, we can do more to support them.

The Plan aims to ensure local children are supported by strong families, responsive services, and inclusive communities

The Plan centres around three strategic areas:

• Home - Supporting parents and caregivers as a child’s first and most important teacher
• Services – Making services accessible, inclusive and better connected
• Community – Building strong connections and a supportive village for families

The Plan also outlines the delivery approach and leadership, including the development of annual Action Plans, which will document the programs and activities to be implemented under each of the three strategic areas over 12-month periods.

A three-month community consultation process was undertaken, from September to November 2025, as part of the development of the new draft Plan, which involved parents, community members, service providers, key stakeholders and workgroup members.

This feedback was collated and informed the vision, priorities and strategic areas of the Plan.

Have your say

You can provide feedback in the following ways:

• Completing the online feedback form below
• Emailing your feedback to council@shepparton.vic.gov.au
• Providing written feedback to Council’s Customer Service Centre, 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton
  (hard-copies of the draft Plan are available)