Launching The State of Australia’s Children 2025 Report: A Call to Action for Every Child
The wellbeing of Australia’s children is at a crossroads. The choices we make today will shape the futures of our youngest citizens for decades to come.
On Monday, the 24th of November, ARACY team members, in partnership with UNICEF Australia and with tremendous support from Minderoo Foundation, proudly launched The State of Australia’s Children 2025 report at Parliament House.
This flagship report provides a comprehensive, evidence-based picture of how children and young people are faring across all domains of wellbeing, from health and education to housing, safety, and participation in their communities. It tells the story of what is working, where more is needed, and, most importantly, what children and young people want us to know and do.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the authors of the report, Megan O’Connell (Lead author), Dilini Jayasinghe (researcher), Thivya Supramaniam (writing and research) from ARACY and Adrienne O’Dell (Lead researcher), Toni Bennett (writing and editing), Rebecca Smith (writing and editing) and Nicole Breeze (writing and editing), from UNICEF Australia, for their rigorous work in bringing this vital evidence together.
A special thank you to proud Ngambri/Wiradjuri Elder, Aunty Dr Matilda House-Williams, for her warm and gracious Welcome to Country, setting the tone for an event that placed children and young people at the centre.
Children and Young People Leading the Way
The launch was inspired by the incredible young people at the forefront of this work:
A Celebration of Advocacy and Leadership
The launch also celebrated the tireless advocacy of two giants whose work has shaped ARACY and the sector: Professor Fiona Stanley, ARACY’s founder, and Anne Hollonds, departing National Children’s Commissioner. Their leadership and vision continue to guide us as we work to ensure every child can thrive.
We are grateful to our partners at Minderoo Foundation — Nicola Forrest AO, Penny Dakin, Ana Nieto, and Amy Graham — whose vision and support make this work possible.
Thank you also to all advocates, colleagues, and friends who joined us for the launch, contributing to inspiring discussions about possibilities, collaborations, and ways to turn this report into a blueprint for change.
A Clear Path Forward
The report makes it clear: Australia needs coordinated, long-term leadership to ensure every child grows up safe, supported, healthy, and thriving. Establishing a National Early Childhood Commission is a critical step to driving systems-level change.
Children have told us what matters. The evidence shows where we must focus. Now, it is up to all of us — across sectors and alongside young people — to act and build a nation where every child can thrive.
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With six connected areas, The Nest ensures young Australians have everything they need for the best start in life, helping them reach their highest potential.
Using The Nest, has helped ARACY to be at the forefront of disease prevention and the promotion of holistic health for young Australians.
Here you’ll see some examples of how The Nest has been used in organisations outside of ARACY across Australia.
