Murrumbidgee Paediatric Collective
One region. One system. Every child thrives.
The Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct is coordinating services and aligning models of care across the region to improve support for children and families.
This includes implementing the Agency for Clinical Innovation Paediatric Network’s Tiered Developmental Care model to strengthen referral pathways and early access for children with developmental vulnerabilities in their first 2,000 days.
The Precinct is also preparing for the transition to state-delivered Thriving Kids services from 1 October 2026, replacing 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.
Why this work matters
The first 2,000 days are crucial 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 Murrumbidgee Paediatric Collective supports a collaborative, regional approach to breaking down silos and improving access to timely, coordinated care.
The focus
This work supports:
Stronger referral pathways
Earlier access to support
Coordination between services
Evidence-based models of care
Support for children with developmental vulnerabilities
Better navigation for families
Preparation for Thriving Kids service changes
Consistent support across the Murrumbidgee
A one system approach for children and families
The Murrumbidgee Paediatric Collective brings partners together 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 across health, education, Aboriginal health, community and social care.
Tiered Developmental Care model resources
The Paediatrics working group is exploring opportunities to support implementation of the Agency for Clinical Innovation Paediatric Network’s Tiered Developmental Care model across the Murrumbidgee. This work aims to strengthen shared understanding of the model, support consistent referral pathways and improve access to timely, appropriate care for children with developmental concerns.
Links and resources
Agency for Clinical Innovation: children aged 0–5 years with developmental concerns
This ACI resource outlines the Tiered Developmental Care approach for children aged 0–5 years presenting with developmental concerns. It provides guidance for clinicians, service providers and system managers to support shared care across different levels of need and improve how children and families move between services.
ACI clinical practice guide: children aged 0–5 years presenting with developmental concerns
This clinical practice guide provides detailed guidance to support assessment, planning and care for children aged 0–5 years with developmental concerns. It may be useful for clinicians and services seeking to understand the practical application of the tiered model.
ACI supporting resources: neurodevelopmental disorders in children aged 0–5 years
These supporting resources sit alongside the ACI clinical practice guide and provide additional information for services working with children with neurodevelopmental concerns.
Murrumbidgee HealthPathways
Murrumbidgee HealthPathways is an online clinical support tool for general practice and primary care teams. It provides localised information on assessment, management and referral pathways. Access is designed for health professionals and requires registration.
Thriving Kids: Australian Government overview
Thriving Kids is a national initiative to support children aged eight and under with developmental needs to access support earlier through local services. This page provides an overview of the program and its role in broader reforms to early childhood developmental support.
Thriving Kids in NSW
This NSW Government page provides information about how Thriving Kids will be delivered in NSW. It outlines the planned approach to supporting children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism who have low to moderate support needs, along with their families, carers and kin.