A regional stage for Robinvale and Euston’s community partnership
When representatives from the Robinvale Euston Early Years Network (REEYN) took the stage at the 2026 Mallee Early Years Conference, they brought a simple message: children learn everywhere, and families do a lot more of the teaching than they realise.
Held at SuniTAFE in Mildura under the theme “Growing Minds, Connected Communities,” the conference brought together educators, community service providers and early years professionals from across the region. REEYN’s session, Strengthening the Home Learning Environment: Practical Strategies to Support Everyday Learning Across Families and Services, was delivered by Anna Kilpatrick, Toneea Watson and Cindy Hinterholzl, who shared practical examples of how local services work together to improve outcomes for children and families.
REEYN is a well-established network of organisations, services and professionals supporting children and families across Robinvale Euston. Through monthly meetings, shared goals and a genuine commitment to collaboration, the network has built the kind of partnerships that make life easier for local families, no matter which service they walk into first.
Cindy Hinterholzl, Partnership Manager with Our Place Robinvale, said the workshop showed what’s possible when organisations work together rather than in isolation.
“The Robinvale Euston Early Years Network has grown through strong relationships, shared goals and trust between organisations. By working together, we can provide families with consistent support and ensure children have the best possible opportunities to thrive.”
Cindy Hinterholzl, Our Place Robinvale Partnership Manager
Workshop participants explored how everyday family interactions, such as reading, talking, singing, playing and daily routines, provide valuable learning opportunities for children. Presenters emphasised that strengthening the home learning environment is not about expensive resources but about supporting parents and carers to recognise the learning already happening within everyday life. Through supported playgroups, home learning programs, health services, schools and community initiatives, families across Robinvale Euston receive consistent messages and support regardless of where they engage, reducing barriers, improving service connections and providing continuity as children transition through the early years and into school.
Anna Kilpatrick, Playgroup Coordinator at Euston Public School, highlighted the importance of building trusting relationships with families and creating opportunities for learning through everyday experiences.
“Learning happens everywhere, not just in schools or early learning settings. Everyday moments at home, in the car, at the supermarket or in the park all contribute to a child’s development. When families recognise those opportunities, they become more confident in supporting their child’s learning.”
Anna Kilpatrick, Euston Public School Playgroup Coordinator
Drawing on her experience coordinating the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) at Robinvale District Health Services, Toneea Watson spoke about empowering parents to recognise the learning already taking place within their homes.
“We want parents and carers to understand that they are already doing many of the things that support their child’s learning. By helping families see learning in everyday routines, conversations and play, we build confidence and strengthen the home learning environment.”
Throughout the workshop, attendees were encouraged to share their own experiences and examples of what’s working on the ground, reinforcing the conference theme of connected communities and collective learning. The session left participants with a message that’s central to how REEYN operates: services are stronger as resources to one another, and when communities work together, children and families benefit.
REEYN would like to thank Community Facilitators Amanda Healy and Jacky Rowe from Our Place Robinvale for their support in developing and facilitating the session. Their guidance and commitment helped create a workshop that showcased the strength of collaboration across the Robinvale Euston early years sector.
REEYN continues to welcome organisations and professionals working with children and families across the region, and remains committed to strengthening collaboration, family engagement and early learning outcomes throughout the Robinvale Euston community.