Early childhood services recognised for excellence in sun protection

Published on 19 February 2026

Three West Wimmera Shire Council early childhood services have been recognised by the Victorian Government for excellence in sun protection through a statewide health initiative.

Kaniva Kindergarten, Goroke Preschool and Edenhope Early Childhood Service have been formally recognised through the State Government’s Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program.

The program focuses on creating environments and behaviours that prevent over-exposure to UV radiation.

The recognition highlights staff’s leadership in creating safe, sun-smart environments for young children, and confirms the services have successfully demonstrated best practice in protecting children from harmful sun exposure while building lifelong healthy habits.

Under Council’s Sun Protection Policy, educators monitor UV levels daily and adjust outdoor programs to avoid peak exposure times.

Staff ensure children wear sun-protective hats and clothing, apply sunscreen before outdoor play and reapply it regularly, and prioritise the use of shaded areas.

Sun safety is also incorporated into learning programs, helping children build lifelong protective habits.

West Wimmera Shire Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the achievement highlighted the strong commitment of staff and families to children’s health and wellbeing.

“Early childhood is a critical time to establish healthy behaviours, and this recognition shows our services are providing environments where children can learn, play and grow safely,” he said.

“Our educators work closely with families to ensure sun-smart practices are consistent, giving children the best possible protection from harmful UV exposure.”

The services also implement additional measures for younger children, including keeping infants out of direct sunlight during high UV periods and ensuring outdoor spaces provide adequate shade for both active and quiet play.

Mr Bezuidenhout said the achievement demonstrated a whole-community approach to prevention.

“By embedding sun protection into daily routines, learning and the physical environment, these services are helping reduce future skin cancer risk while supporting children to develop healthy habits for life,” he said.

The Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program supports services across six key health areas: healthy eating and oral health; physical activity and movement; mental health and wellbeing; sun protection; safe environments; and smoking, vaping, alcohol and other drugs.

Following this success in sun protection, West Wimmera Shire services will now focus on healthy eating and oral health as the next priority area.

More information about the Healthy Early Childhood Services Achievement Program is available at www.achievementprogram.health.vic.gov.au.

For further information, please contact Council on 13 99 72.