Pool Pilot Initiative Wins Award Read More
Hands Up Mallee’s work in Red Cliffs supports children, young people and families to lead change in their community. This place-based, equity-focused approach centres local voices, builds strong relationships between community, services and government, and shifts how decisions are made. The work aims to create long-term systems change enabling Red Cliffs families to create the conditions needed for children and young people to thrive.
I have never felt so comfortable in a beautiful, mindful group in a community that was so set on what this actually community wanted.
Parent on the Red Cliffs Project Team
We supported each other, became part of the community plan and we made sure all the initiatives that we came up with [in the Red Cliffs Project] were put into this next community plan.
Parent on the Red Cliffs Project Team
Local Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data revealed that children in Red Cliffs were less ready to start school compared to other areas prompting deeper conversations with community. In Red Cliffs, our approach centres community voice, supports Aboriginal leadership, and builds long-term relationships between families, Council, services and government.
Families, Aboriginal Elders and young people identified not only the challenges but also the opportunities: a need for more affordable activities, better access to early years’ services, inclusive community spaces, and stronger connections across generations. This shared understanding backed by data, lived experience and co-design has driven every phase of the work.
The Red Cliffs Project shows how families co-designed solutions to improve early childhood outcomes, leading to strengthened community connections and funding for an Integrated Early Years Hub. What began as a co-design project in early learning evolved into a series of bold, successful initiatives:
| System Changes | Impact on Children, Young People and Families |
|---|---|
| Empowered community with agency to act | Equitable access to services |
| Government, services and leaders change mindsets and practices | Increased access to safe, welcoming community infrastructure |
| Resource changes in how they are aligned for better impact | Opportunities to shape and design the services they use |
| Investment in co-designed local solutions & innovations | Greater connection to community, culture and place |
| Changes are happening beyond our place | Better access to quality early childhood education and care |
| Improved outcomes for children, young people and families |
These system-level shifts are driving real, measurable improvements for children, young people, and families in Red Cliffs. The table below highlights how structural transformation is translating into better access, stronger connections, and tangible outcomes on the ground.
Our work in Red Cliffs began with small-scale trials and play-based activities that shaped a shared vision for how children, young people and families could thrive. Building on this foundation, community-led projects — including connected community events, integrated early years hub, free pool access pilot, and basketball court upgrade — demonstrated how local priorities could be turned into real outcomes.
The Rich Home Learning Environment (RHLE) project marked the beginning of Hands Up Mallee’s place-based co-design work in Red Cliffs. In response to Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) data showing a growing number of children starting school developmentally vulnerable, local families and early years services came together to explore how to better support early learning at home and in community.
Through co-design workshops and small-scale trials, families and services generated and tested local solutions — from play-based activities and resource ideas to the early concept of a community hub. This work demonstrated the power of community-led innovation and built strong foundations of trust and shared learning. RHLE helped shift decision-making toward families and laid the groundwork for longer-term initiatives, including Red Cliffs Connected events, the vision for a new Integrated Early Years Hub and broader systems change.
One of the strongest ideas from families involved in the Rich Home Learning Environment work was to create low-cost, fun community events where children can play and families can connect. With Hands Up Mallee’s support, local families co-designed four pilot events in 2022. Held in public parks and open spaces, the events offered a mix of play, food, activities, and community connection. The impact of the initial pilot and the key learnings demonstrated the value of Community Connected events and the need for them in Red Cliffs to support children and families through social connection.
The results were immediate — over 500 residents attended, and families reported feeling more confident, included, and supported. Hands Up Mallee continues to work in partnership with local families and community to deliver regular social connection opportunities and events.
The idea for a central, inclusive space for families — a hub — first came from the Rich Home Learning Environment project. Families saw the lack of local infrastructure as a major barrier to social connection, access and early learning support.
What seemed like the most ambitious idea to bring to life quickly gained traction. Local families engaged with Mildura Rural City Council and the Department of Education and advocated for funding to support the development of a new Red Cliffs Early Years Integrated Centre. Hands Up Mallee has continued to partner with families to co-design the Hub — its look, feel, and how it works — to ensure the new centre:
Red Cliffs Early Years Hub Co-Design Project Progress Report
Many local families highlighted the lack of childcare options in Red Cliffs as a key barrier to employment, study, or accessing services. In response, Hands Up Mallee supported a united advocacy effort between Red Cliffs families and Mildura Rural City Council. This collaborative approach highlighted how lived experience, when paired with data and collective voice, can shape policy and influence investment in much-needed infrastructure for local families.
Hands Up Mallee led a co-design project from March to September 2022 in partnership with local youth, families and youth service providers to explore what life is like for young people in Red Cliffs — what helps, what hinders, and what needs to change. Insights from these conversations were analysed alongside youth data and research. One clear and actionable priority emerged: free access to local pools.
Factors like cost, lack of affordable, inclusive recreational spaces were seen as contributing to social isolation and unequal opportunities for children and young people – especially during extreme summer heat. This led to creation of the Pool Pilot in partnership with Mildura Rural City Council, young people and families so community could access safer, affordable more connected spaces.
The Red Cliffs Half Basketball Court project brought together Hands Up Mallee, Mildura Rural City Council, and local young people to co-design a new public space that supports youth wellbeing, safety, and agency. Through a series of engaging workshops, young people aged 9–18 shaped decisions around the court’s design, use, and activation — including leading a successful launch event that attracted over 180 community members and 27 basketball teams.
Evaluation findings show the project boosted youth confidence and leadership, strengthened connections between young people and local decision-makers, and led to a space that reflects the real needs of the community. The initiative also showed early signs of system change — shifting relationships, mindsets, and how decisions about public infrastructure are made.
