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Fraser Mustard – Investing in the Early Years
About Fraser Mustard
Fraser Mustard – Program in Adelaide

Fraser Mustard's Final Report Investing in the Early Years: Closing the gap between what we know and what we do  is now available. Click here to download (501KB).  

A detailed companion document, Early Childhood Development: The best start for all South Australians to Fraser Mustard's final report is also available. Click here to download (2,212 KB).

Dr Fraser Mustard: Investing in the Early Years

Dr Fraser Mustard is an internationally recognised expert in the field of early childhood development and has led the growth of interest in this critical area.

Dr Mustard lived and worked in South Australia as an Adelaide Thinker in Residence in two stages:

19 October to 24 November 2006
5 February to 23 March 2007

The objectives of Fraser's residency were:

• Increase interest and understanding across all sectors of the community about the importance of early childhood for the future of South Australia
• Provide advice on early childhood in South Australia which:

           - considers family and community contexts
           - focuses on safety, learning, health and wellbeing
           - improves access, participation and transition pathways
           - builds capacity and long-term benefit
           - informs and defines directions in early childhood research, education and training
           - strengthens evaluation, data collection and outcomes measure
           - incorporates mechanisms of encouraging effectiveimplementation of international
              research evidence
           - makes the case for the value of investment in early childhood in terms of cost saved
           - and lives enhanced

• Enhance partnerships through engaging with a range of stakeholders from government, community, universities, business and industry
• Promote innovation in the delivery of early childhood development and parenting programs with an emphasis on increasing access and participation for children and families with additional needs.
• Strengthen national and international recognition of South Australia as a leader in early childhood
• Build strategic legacies by influencing key decision-makers and leaders in South Australia

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About Fraser Mustard

Dr J. Fraser Mustard has had a diverse career in the health sciences, research and the private sector. In 1982, he created and established The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. The Institute’s programs have had a major focus on science, technology, innovation and economic growth, the effect of economic change on the social environment and the health and well-being of individuals and populations. Dr Mustard currently leads The Founders’ Network, which works across nations, linking together 1,000 or more individuals in the private and public sector who are working to apply the knowledge from the Institute’s programs in their communities.

Dr Mustard has been a leader in Canada on the socio-economic determinants of human development and health. A particular emphasis of his work has been on early childhood and the role of communities. He co-chaired a report for the Government of Ontario on early learning with specific community recommendations (The Early Years Study). Recognition of this has led Dr Mustard and his colleagues to emphasise to all sectors of society the crucial nature of the early years to provide a healthy and competent population. Dr Mustard is involved with governments in Canada and Australia, with the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, UNICEF and the Aga Khan University in Pakistan in emphasising the importance to society of early childhood development.

Dr Mustard has received numerous awards for his work including the Companion of the Order of Canada. Most recently he was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Click here for further information on Dr Mustard http://www.founders.net/fn/bios.nsf/cl/fn-bios-1!opendocument

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Fraser Mustard – Program in Adelaide

Dr Fraser Mustard focused his attention on the importance of investing in early childhood development to encourage a healthier, fitter population, and promote opportunities for South Australian children to achieve their potential. Dr Mustard has provided us with strategic advice on the future of this field and was helped the State design, develop and deliver programs for the benefit of children and parents.

Partners in Fraser’s residency were:

•  Department of the Premier and Cabinet
•  Department of Education and Children’s Services
•  Department of Health
•  Department for Families and Communities
•  Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation
•  University of South Australia
•  University of Adelaide
•  Flinders University
•  Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology

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