CCDE Annual Report 2012 - The Centre for Child Development ...

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
AND CHAIR
The Centre for Child Development and Education (CCDE) is well
advanced on its journey to becoming a national leader in the kind
of research which will improve the lives of vulnerable young people
across the country.
The Centre was officially launched in September 2011. Wonderful
support from organisations like the Ian Potter Foundation and the
Sidney Myer Fund has enabled us to build the foundations for a
productive future.
In May of 2012, Indigenous musician and educator, Dr M Yunupingu,
and British Medical Association president, Professor Sir Michael
Marmot, both agreed to become patrons of the Centre. It was an
honour for us to gain the patronage of two giants in their respective
fields.
Centre Director
Professor Sven Silburn
It was therefore with great sadness that in early June this year we
learned that Dr Yunupingu had passed away at age 56 at his home
in Yirrkala after his long battle with kidney disease. In addition to
his world-wide fame as a musician and founder of Yothu-Yindi, he
was an inspiring community leader, and a distinguished educator.
Dr Yunupingu was also a passionate advocate of ‘Two-way’ learning
and a tireless champion of national reconciliation. The achievements
of this great Australian will continue to inspire our work in seeking
to ’Close the Gap’ in Indigenous disadvantage.
The federal government will this year commence its investment of
$3.5 billion dollars over 10 years in its Stronger Futures initiative to
improve the circumstances of Aboriginal people in the Northern
Territory. This is likely to offer new opportunities for Menzies,
and for the Centre in particular, to support communities in their
implementation of evidence-based programs and services which
will improve lives for Aboriginal children and young people.
Board Chair
Dr Chris Sarra
It is widely understood that education and early child development
are the keys to a brighter future for Indigenous Australians. The
Centre is well placed to continue its progress in leading the research
which will unlock opportunities for educational development and
create a pathway for a healthier, happier tomorrow for Indigenous
Australian children.
Finally, we would like to acknowledge our gratitude to the Centre’s
board members for their guidance, and to our staff for their skill and
dedication.
Annual Report 2012
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