Tomorrow Today acknowledges the ongoing support of the Victorian Government, whose long-term investment in Tomorrow Today continues to enable locally driven solutions that strengthen outcomes for children, young people and families across Benalla and district.
The core of Tomorrow Today’s work, the Education Benalla Program, aligns closely with the Victorian Government’s priorities in education and early childhood development. Funding for the program’s ‘backbone’ allows Tomorrow Today to respond flexibly to community need, delivering initiatives that contribute to broader government objectives while being shaped by local voices.
Tomorrow Today Executive Officer, Dr Jen Jackson, said the relationship strikes an important balance between alignment and independence.
“Our support from the Victorian Government enables us to stay responsive to what our community needs. We work alongside schools, early childhood services and the wider community to strengthen learning and wellbeing in ways that complement existing government initiatives.
We focus on early intervention and support, ensuring that children, young people and families are connected, confident and well supported before challenges become more complex.”
Tomorrow Today’s strong community presence in Benalla means that it can reach children, families and young people directly, and refer them to government services and programs that can help. Tomorrow Today’s Parent’s Early Education Partnership (PEEP) and antenatal programs reach around 80% of Benalla families with children under five. This means that they can support families to access services like kindergarten and maternal and child health, while also supporting learning at home.
Tomorrow Today’s programs for young people, including the Year 5&6 careers program, Hands on Learning, Motiv8 and Connect 9, are developed in partnership with Benalla schools and youth services, to activate the whole community to support student engagement and learning.
As the Victorian Government rolls out its senior secondary pathways reform, Tomorrow Today is working with the community to build career aspirations, strengthen engagement, and support ongoing participation in education. This has resulted in measurable impact on the number of young people remaining engaged in education and pursuing meaningful pathways to employment.
Dr Jackson said Tomorrow Today’s partnership approach is about delivering the best for every child and young person.
“We value our longstanding partnership with the Victorian Government, and with all our funders, donors and volunteers. Together, we can do more to build a strong, positive future for Benalla.”
For specific budget details visit: https://www.budget.vic.gov.au/regional-victoria-place-be