SDN is delighted to confirm that our eligible staff—teachers, educators, cooks, directors and administrators in our CCS-approved, Long Day Care services—are now receiving the Australian Government’s Worker Retention Payment (WRP)! 📢 Under the WRP grant, early childhood education and care wages have been boosted up to 15% above workers award rates. While SDN has always paid above these awards, we’re pleased to see the Australian Government recognise the value of our work and make a significant contribution to lift wages. 📈 In applying for this grant, SDN has committed to not raising fees more than 4.4% to 7 August 2025, and then not more than 4.2% to 7 August 2026. SDN began receiving the payment in August, back paid to December 2024, and it is passed directly to our eligible staff. Currently 10% above award rates, the WRP will increase in December this year to 15% and will remain in place until end of 2026. We’ll be watching closely for news on the payment and continue advocating for fair wages and conditions for our incredible people who support children's wellbeing, learning and development every day! 🤗 (fb)

Earlier this week, we acknowledged Allied Health Professionals Day. We asked our SDN Early Intervention Specialist, Sezen, what the theme 'Strong Together' means to her. "Stronger Together means advocacy, trust, collaboration, and creating space to be vulnerable. Together, this makes us stronger. It’s about showing up for each other as professionals, as families, and as individuals, with honesty, empathy, and shared purpose." In her role, SDN supports children and families "by helping them understand themselves and each other more deeply, including their strengths, challenges, emotions, and the ways they connect and communicate with the world. I work alongside them to build skills, confidence, resilience, and stronger relationships that support a child’s development across all areas of life." On what she loves most about working at SDN, "is the shared commitment to making a real difference. I’m surrounded by a team that advocates for children and families, cares deeply, and works together to support every child." (fb)