New South Wales brief: targeting investment where it counts

A summary brief identifying New South Wales communities for priority investment in integrated early learning models.

This brief shares some of the state-specific findings from the Targeting Investment Where it Counts report, released in February 2025. The report provides a framework for prioritising investment in early childhood services to improve outcomes for young children across Australia experiencing significant disadvantage.

This brief provides specific insights for New South Wales, identifying the most disadvantaged communities, including those in childcare deserts and those where existing ECEC services are not meeting local needs. Integrated and inclusive early learning models have the potential to support better early childhood and lifelong outcomes for children. The communities identified in this brief should be prioritised for investment in Early Childhood Hubs and other integrated and inclusive early learning models.