Partners

Working together

Better Beginnings is developed and managed by The State Library of Western Australia and delivered through public libraries. The program is funded via a tri-partite alliance between the Government of Western Australia, including Royalties for Regions, Western Australian local governments and Rio Tinto. One of the key aims of this partnership between state and local government and the business sector is to support the development of literacy in children from birth providing them with greater potential to grow, learn and develop, perform well at school and suceed in later life. Improved literacy levels across Western Australia contributes to the creation of a skilled workforce and future economic development.

The State Library of Western Australia

The State Library of Western Australia provides free access to information resources and services, in partnership with Western Australian local governments operating 234 public libraries throughout the State. The State Library aims to enrich the lives of Western Australians by enabling access to resources for information, learning, enterprise and recreation, and by collecting and preserving our social and documentary heritage for current and future generations.

Royalties For Regions

Royalties for Regions is an historic agreement that underlines the State Government’s long-term focus on regional development throughout Western Australia.  Through Royalties for Regions, the equivalent of 25 per cent of the State’s mining and onshore petroleum royalties will be returned to the State’s regional areas each year as an additional investment in projects, infrastructure and community services.

Rio Tinto

Global mining company Rio Tinto established the WA Future Fund to identify and support initiatives that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Western Australia.  From early literacy programs  to apprenticeships, Rio Tinto believes opportunities for quality education and training will have a profound impact on an individual and their community. Rio Tinto is particularly proud of its Indigenous education and training programs, and its ongoing focus on improving early literacy standards.

Health & Education

In delivering Better Beginnings, the State Library works with the Child and Adolescent Health Service, Child and Adolescent Community Health and the WA Country Health Service to deliver reading packs to parents at their baby’s 6-8 week child health visit.  The Kindergarten Pre-Primary program is delivered in partnership with the Department of Education, the Association of Independent Schools and the Catholic Education Office of Western Australia.

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent
 

I tell stories in Vietnamese and read to my children in English.  I only started reading English after receiving Better Beginnings. 
Parent
 

One mother reads with her four year old every afternoon after school now.  She said without these books, they would not have any to read. 
Teacher, Remote Community School
 

I always knew reading to my kids was important, but this has opened my eyes to how important and how much.
Parent

I think it’s been a wonderful initiative.  I feel sure it’s going to benefit both the children and parents and develop links with the library.
Teacher
 

 

It’s wonderful to have support across the community emphasising the importance of reading and language development. 
Community Health Nurse
 

…I never thought of reading to the children.  Better Beginnings has really boosted my confidence.
Parent

Better Beginnings gave me confidence. I know reading is an everyday tool and teaching my children will help them be more successful in life.
Parent