Building the Early Childhood Workforce in Port Augusta

Building on the success of the Roxby Downs Early Childhood Project in 2024, The Strengthening Futures: Early Childhood Workforce Project, Port Augusta is a collaborative, locally-driven initiative addressing the shortage of qualified early childhood educators and teachers in Port Augusta and the Upper Spencer Gulf region. Led by Uni Hub Spencer Gulf in partnership with Central Queensland University, and funded by the Port Augusta City Council and the Office for Early Childhood Development, the project is a model of community-based workforce development.

By focusing on local talent and fostering clear pathways from school to employment, the project supports regional learners with personalised assistance, mentoring, and access to a dedicated study hub. Wraparound services—including literacy, study skills, and wellbeing support—are tailored to address the unique barriers faced by rural and remote students.

Key outcomes to date include 18 local participants entering early childhood education study and employment, a regional mentoring program, and the creation of sustainable career pathways within the community. Importantly, the initiative delivers broader benefits: children gain improved access to quality early learning, parents are better supported to return to work or study, and local residents access stable, meaningful careers.

This place-based approach prioritises internal capacity-building over external recruitment, reinforcing the social and economic fabric of Port Augusta. Strong partnerships—with the Pt Augusta City Council, local schools, child care centres, and universities—have been central to its success.

More than a workforce solution, Strengthening Futures is a scalable model for community development across regional South Australia, proving that investing in people and place leads to generational impact and stronger, more resilient communities.

Uni Hub Spencer Gulf is incredibly proud to be supporting and leading a number of projects delivering regional workforce solutions.  Strengthening Futures is a scalable model for community development across regional South Australia, proving that investing in people and place leads to generational impact and stronger, more resilient communities.