Together our voice is amplified and our learning magnified
First established in 2005, Far North Early Childhood Network (FNECN) grew out of ‘Megina Kazil’ (Torres Strait pidgeon for ‘little children’) an early childhood pre-service teachers group established in 2001 by Associate Professor Reesa Sorin at James Cook University in Cairns.
FNECN broadened the reach of Megina Kazil to include a wider representation of the early childhood community in Far North Queensland; people who worked for and were committed to the best outcomes for young children and their families. This included caregivers, teachers, representatives of government departments and non-government organisations, community health and social service representatives, and parents of young children.
In 2017, the Early Childhood Community Networks (ECCNs) were introduced, establishing locally contextualised professional learning communities and localising membership across Far North Queensland. FNECN members were encouraged to join their local ECCN as well as remainmembers of the wider FNECN group.
As ECCNs began highlighting similar problems of practice across our region, to provide a platform to discuss thesetrends, the FNECN Community Partners, a group ofrepresentatives from key early childhood stakeholders was formed.
The pre-eminence of this group is the power of perspective.
FNECN Governance Committee
Are representatives of key stakeholders/organisations in Far North Queensland. They meet face-to-face bi-monthly, for professional conversations and collaboration on projects prioritised by the early childhood community.
FNECN Governance Lead
Mission Australia is the organisation currently leading FNECN. They carry out various administration duties within the network and also chair the FNECN.
FNECN – General Members
Are made up of variety of members working, volunteering or interested in the early years. Members are connected, receive information on services and supports, professional development opportunities and provide valuable feedback on the early years.
Register your interest in becoming a member.
ECCN – Community Members
These are groups working together to address local issues, such as transition to school, health matters, family support and other issues impacting the early years.