Murrumbidgee Paediatric Collective supports coordinated care for children and families
The Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct is supporting a more coordinated regional approach to care for children and families through the Murrumbidgee Paediatric Collective.
The Collective is focused on coordinating services and aligning models of care across the region, including implementing the Agency for Clinical Innovation Paediatric Network’s Tiered Developmental Care model.
This work aims to strengthen referral pathways and improve early access for children with developmental vulnerabilities in their first 2,000 days.
The first 2,000 days are critical for a child’s lifelong health and development. Children in the Murrumbidgee region face significant challenges, including greater developmental vulnerability and limited access to screening, assessment and therapy services.
The Paediatric Collective supports a one-system approach, bringing partners together across health, education, Aboriginal health, community and social care to improve how services respond to children and families.
This includes supporting families to access the right service, at the right time, and helping providers work together to reduce fragmentation and improve care pathways.
The Precinct is also preparing for the transition to state-delivered Thriving Kids services from 1 October 2026. Thriving Kids will replace National Disability Insurance Scheme funding for children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism with low to moderate support needs.
This work will help ensure families across the Murrumbidgee receive consistent, evidence-based support that meets their needs.
The Murrumbidgee Paediatric Collective reflects the Precinct’s broader One System Integration focus, which aims to support better integration of regional healthcare systems so people experience seamless, patient-centred care.
By aligning services, strengthening referral pathways and improving early access to support, the Collective is helping build a more coordinated system for children and families across the region.