EARLY INVESTMENT, LASTING IMPACT

Early Investment, Lasting Impact — Mooroopna’s Oral Language Program Shows What’s Possible When Community Comes Together

When Mooroopna Primary School was announced as the winner of the Continuity of Early Learning category at the Victorian Early Years Awards, it was a moment that recognised not just an outstanding program, but the power of collaboration, community, and the belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life.

The Oral Language Intervention (OLI) Program is a shining example of what can happen when schools, universities, philanthropy, and local organisations come together with a shared vision.

Entering its 7^th year in 2026, OLI has been quietly transforming outcomes for young people in Mooroopna’s primary schools and kindergartens, not just correcting speech difficulties; it’s empowering children to communicate, understand, and engage. The ability to express ideas clearly and understand others sets the stage for all future learning, and that’s exactly what OLI seeks to strengthen.

The data speaks volumes — children who participate in the program show measurable improvements in their communication skills and school readiness. Teachers report more engaged learners, and families see children gaining confidence in their ability to speak, read, and learn.

Operating at Mooroopna, Mooroopna North and Mooroopna Park Primary Schools and kindergartens, the OLI Program is nimble and responsive to our young people’s needs.

Going Rural Health at the University of Melbourne’s Department of Rural Health, supports clinical placements of speech pathology students, who are given valuable hands-on experience while supporting schools with literacy, social, and oral language interventions.

This additional student placement support allowed 1,289 assessments and 824 oral language sessions to take place in 2024, and through this holistic approach, early intervention is built into everyday classroom practice rather than offered as an add-on.

It’s an innovative place-based model that benefits everyone involved — families, students, schools, universities, and the broader community.

The Victorian Early Years award recognised the Greater Shepparton Foundation, Our Place, and the Mooroopna Children and Family Centres, who under the guidance of Speech Pathologist Leah Hawker, deliver targeted interventions, additional screening, and language development support within the classroom.

In 2022 the Mooroopna Park Primary School Wellbeing Program, including the Oral Language Intervention (OLI) Program guided by speech pathologist Belinda Woods, secured the Health and Wellbeing Victorian Early Years Award, for improving health and wellbeing outcomes for young children.

That marks two significant awards for the Oral Language Intervention Program since inception. While it isn’t about the awards, it is timely we recognise the success of OLI wouldn’t be possible without philanthropic support. Organisations like the Besen Foundation, Mazda Foundation, Margaret Attwood Trust, Upotipotpon, and Perpetual’s Impact Philanthropy have played a critical role in ensuring the program’s continuity. Their contributions demonstrate how philanthropy can fill crucial gaps — especially in regional areas where access to specialised services like speech therapy can be limited.

In a time when regional communities often face inequities in education and health services, the OLI program stands as proof that local innovation, backed by community generosity, can drive systemic change. The Victorian Early Years Award is not just a trophy; it’s validation that regional programs can lead the way in shaping statewide practice.

There is a lesson here for policymakers and communities alike. Investing early in a child’s development — particularly in language and communication — yields lifelong returns. It prevents learning difficulties from compounding, supports better mental health, and strengthens families.

The OLI program shows that when we invest in our youngest learners, we are building stronger communities for generations to come. Mooroopna’s win is a celebration not only of the school’s dedication but of a community that believes every child deserves to be heard — and given the tools to speak their future into being.