On Tuesday 21 June 2022, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), on behalf of Better Health North Queensland, facilitated a one-day workshop in Cairns for key ACCHO staff in the region. This allowed participants to collectively share their knowledge and experiences on maternal and child health needs for First Nations communities. Information collated throughout the day will be used to inform the development of the Framework.

Better Health North Queensland is developing a First 1,000 Days of Life Framework for the North Queensland region. This framework will detail what is needed to improve health outcomes for mothers and children in the first 1000 days of a child’s life and will be used to guide future program priorities targeted at the first 1,000 days.

The first 1,000 days of life is defined as the period from conception through to a child’s second birthday. During this period, parents and children may receive access to a range of care and supports, including pregnancy care, birthing, post-birth care, and child development.

To inform the development of the Framework and supporting Implementation Strategy, a range of engagement activities have recently been undertaken, including this ACCHO workshop, to capture the perspectives and experiences of stakeholders and communities across northern Queensland.