Brotherhood of St Laurence HIPPY Australia

What Brotherhood of St Laurence HIPPY Australia does

Brotherhood of St Laurence HIPPY Australia (HIPPY) is a nonprofit early childhood education program operated by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) under an exclusive licence from HIPPY International, the global organisation tracing the program to its 1969 origin at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Launched in Australia in 1998 from a single Fitzroy site serving 20 families, HIPPY now operates through 100 community sites delivered by 60+ sublicensed not-for-profit providers, targeting approximately 5,000 children per year. The two-year home-based curriculum delivers weekly or fortnightly activity packs and storybooks structured around five learning areas (Thinking & Exploring, Communication, Creativity, Social & Emotional, Family & Community), and is aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum. Local delivery is led by paid parent-Tutors (400+ positions annually, 1,100+ employed to date) and supported by the Pathways to Possibilities professional development framework, with cultural adaptation including First Nations artwork (Kamilaroi artist Lena Smith) and Indigenous-language storybooks (e.g., Yorta Yorta 'Whose Tracks are These?').

The program is fully funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services and provided free of charge to families; BSL holds the national licence and sublicences delivery to local providers, including Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs). 83% of the enrolled network comprises First Nations families, with 50 of the 100 sites specifically focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In 2026, HIPPY is executing a major restructuring: 17 new ACCO providers are taking over First Nations-focused sites, supported by a new First Nations Network team led by Senior Manager Annie Kent within the national office. Primary end-user segments are families experiencing disadvantage, First Nations families, and CALD families (29% of enrolments). Distribution is community-led through Coordinators, Tutors, Group Meetings, and referrals from maternal child health centres, playgroups, and Aboriginal corporations. Reported outcomes include 83% school readiness, 89% of children doing well in school, and 97% of families applying HIPPY skills with another child.

Name

Brotherhood of St Laurence HIPPY Australia

Legal name

HIPPY Australia

Website

https://hippyaustralia.bsl.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Brotherhood of St Laurence HIPPY Australia is a government-funded, nonprofit home-based early childhood education program serving 5,000 children per year across 100 Australian communities, delivered by 60+ sublicensed providers and parent-Tutors, with 83% of enrolments from First Nations families.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Early Childhood Education

NAICS

Child Care Services (62441), Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDACALAF

Parent–Child Play & Interaction Programs

Education/Early Childhood Education/Parent Education & Family Engagement Programs

SECONDARYEDACAFAJ

Family Coaching, Parent-Mediated & Home Visiting EI Services

Education/Early Childhood Education/Early Intervention & Developmental Services (0–5)

SECONDARYEDAGACAJ

Family Engagement & Parent-Facing Early Learning Content

Education/Educational Publishing & Learning Content/Early Childhood Learning Content

SECONDARYEDACAJAL

Family Engagement & Take-Home Learning Materials (Home Packs, Parent Guides)

Education/Early Childhood Education/ECE Curriculum, Assessment & Learning Materials

Keywords

• Early childhood education
• Home-based learning
• Parent-led schooling
• First Nations program
• School readiness support

Headquarters

HQ city

Fitzroy

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Australian Government Funding: HIPPY Australia is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Social Services. The Brotherhood of St. Laurence holds the licence to operate HIPPY in Australia and sublicences local not-for-profit organisations to deliver the program in selected communities. The program is free for all participating families.
2. Sublicensing Model: BSL sustains and grows the program by sublicencing local not-for-profit organisations in Australia to deliver HIPPY in selected communities, including ACCOs for First Nations-focused sites.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HIPPY Australia delivers a two-year, free, home-based early learning and parenting program for children aged 3-5 through licensed local not-for-profit providers. Each participating family receives age-appropriate activity packs and storybooks, supported by trained parent-Tutor home visits, role-play, and group meetings, with the curriculum structured around five learning areas and aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework. The Brotherhood of St. Laurence holds the exclusive Australian licence from HIPPY International, and prioritises First Nations and CALD families through ACCO-led sites and culturally adapted materials.

Product overview

HIPPY Australia operates a single unified program called the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY), which is a two-year early childhood education initiative. The program consists of Age 3 and Age 4 Activity Packs containing play-based educational activities, complemented by storybooks (including culturally-specific titles like 'Whose Tracks are These?'). The program includes a Tutor Program where HIPPY parents are employed as paid part-time tutors, supported by the Pathways to Possibilities (P2P) framework for professional development. All materials are delivered through local provider organisations, with activity packs and storybooks translated into multiple languages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• HIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters) A two-year, free, home-based early learning and parenting program delivered in 100 communities across Australia, designed to help parents prepare their children aged 3-5 for school through play-based educational activities, home visits, role-play, group meetings and culturally adapted materials.
• Age 3 Activity Packs Weekly or fortnightly packs of play-based educational activities designed for three-year-old children, structured around five learning areas (Thinking & Exploring, Communication, Creativity, Social & Emotional, Family & Community) and provided free to enrolled families.
• Age 4 Activity Packs Weekly or fortnightly packs of play-based educational activities for four-year-old children, structured around the same five learning areas as Age 3 packs, completing HIPPY's two-year program.
• HIPPY Storybooks Storybooks translated into multiple languages that complement the activity packs, used by parents and children together to develop literacy skills and shared reading routines.
• Tutor Program A paid part-time employment opportunity for HIPPY parents to become trained Tutors who support other HIPPY families in their community through home visits and group meetings, with more than 400 Tutor positions offered each year.
• Pathways to Possibilities (P2P) A framework providing tools and resources that empower HIPPY Tutors to explore career aspirations, set employment goals, and pursue accredited training or professional development during their two-year Tutor role.
• Whose Tracks are These? Age 3 Storybook An Age 3 storybook featuring Yorta Yorta language and traditional tracking skills, exploring Country along the banks of Dhungala (Murray River) at Echuca; part of HIPPY's cultural-curriculum adaptation for First Nations families.
• HIPPY Australia Curriculum Artwork Original artwork by First Nations artists (including Kamilaroi artist Lena Smith) used on activity pack covers, site uniforms and HIPPY resources, embedding culture into children's learning materials.

Quantifiable outcome

• 83% of graduating families said their child was ready for school
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Connected BeginningscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIPPY Mowanjum-Derby partners with Connected Beginnings Playgroups to jointly plan and run Gatherings. This partnership provides families with opportunities to connect and build positive learning environments, combining HIPPY's structured curriculum with Connected Beginnings' playgroup framework.
• ac.carecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partnerac.care runs HIPPY Murray Bridge in South Australia and has partnered with Moorundi ACCO for transition of the First Nations-focused program. This partnership demonstrates a respectful transition model where mainstream and ACCO providers collaborate for community benefit.
• Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (Moorundi ACCHS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMoorundi ACCHS is an ACCO that will take over HIPPY Murray Bridge from ac.care in 2026. Moorundi operates the Piltenggi-Walun Po:rlar (PKT) early intervention program and will deliver HIPPY as part of integrated family services. Transition supported by both organisations.
• Moonaboola Community Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (MCDATSIC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMCDATSIC is the ACCO provider for HIPPY Maryborough in Queensland. Elder Aunty Kym works as HIPPY Coordinator, bringing deep cultural knowledge, First Nations mental health expertise, and trauma-informed care to the role. The site opened in 2024.
• Maari Ma Aboriginal Health ServicecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMaari Ma Aboriginal Health Service proudly serves as provider for HIPPY Broken Hill in Far Western NSW. The service achieved 100% Indigenous enrolment rate and actively connects HIPPY families with health and educational resources for holistic development.
• Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal CorporationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNgunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation delivers HIPPY at Mowanjum-Derby in Western Australia. Coordinator Shallu leads the team with early childhood expert Bernice and Elder Janet. The site runs the Ngungas Playgroup and partners with Connected Beginnings.
• Lena Smith (Kamilaroi Artist)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProud Kamilaroi artist Lena Smith created animal artwork series for the HIPPY Australia curriculum in 2022. Her designs now feature on activity pack covers, site uniforms, and national HIPPY resources, bringing culture into children's learning materials.
• Tangentyere CouncilcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTangentyere Council is the ACCO provider of HIPPY Alice Springs/Mparntwe in the Northern Territory. The team, including Tutors Aunty Joyce, Sarah, and Mica, created the iconic Five Essential Features artwork and coined the term 'Everywhere Learning' (replacing 'generalisation').
• Sue Atkinson-Lopez and Robert Barnett (Yorta Yorta)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProud Yorta Yorta author Sue Atkinson-Lopez and illustrator Robert Barnett created 'Whose Tracks are These?' - HIPPY's newest Age 3 storybook featuring Yorta Yorta language and traditional tracking skills, exploring Country along the banks of Dhungala (Murray River) at Echuca.
• Acts for Kids (Maryborough)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIPPY Maryborough visits 'Acts for Kids', a local organisation supporting families in Maryborough, Queensland. This connection supports family engagement and resource sharing between organisations.
• 17 New ACCO Providers (2026 Transition)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew HIPPY providers transitioning in 2026 include: Biripi ACMC (Taree-Forster), Birrang (Orange), CAAPS (Darwin North), CQID (Bundaberg, Hervey Bay), Goolburri (Warwick, Toowoomba), Gudjagang Ngara Li-dhi (Wyong), Julyardi (Hedland), Kalano Community Association (Katherine), Keipa Boodja (Bunbury-Collie), KWY (Onkaparinga, Port Augusta), Koya (Midland), Moorundi ACCHS (Murray Bridge), Muloobinba Aboriginal Corporation (Port Stephens), Ngroo Education (Emerton), Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative (Mooroopna-Shepparton), Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (Brighton), Wandarrah Preschool and Community Centre (Inala).
• First Nations Network (22 Provider ACCOs)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIPPY Australia is establishing a First Nations network including senior leaders from 17 new ACCO providers plus established provider ACCOs: Bidgerdii Community Health Service (Rockhampton), Bur-Del (Burdekin), Burrun Dalai (Kempsey), Cherbourg Historical Cultural and Community Precinct, Gungarde Community Centre, Jarjum Centre, Julalikari Council, Kurbingui Youth and Family Development, Maari Ma Health, Mallee District Aboriginal Services, MiiMi Aboriginal Corporation, Miyay Birray Youth Service, Moonaboola Community Development, Murrup, Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation, Northern Peninsula Area Ngurpai Ikama Ikya Council, Nyamba Buru Yawuru, Tangentyere Council, Wuchopperen Health Service (Cairns North and South).

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• HIPPY New Zealand: The licensed HIPPY operator in New Zealand, delivering the same two-year home-based parent-mediated early childhood curriculum. Directly comparable in model, target cohort (disadvantaged families), and government-funded structure.
• HIPPY International: The global umbrella for HIPPY programs in 15+ countries. Directly comparable as the originating licensor and operator of the same two-year home-visiting parent-mediated early learning model in jurisdictions including the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Israel.

Broad incumbents

• The Smith Family: Large Australian children's education charity supporting disadvantaged students. Comparable as a national-scale, federally funded not-for-profit working with low-income families across the education continuum, though its focus is school-age rather than ECE.
• Mission Australia: Major Australian community services organisation with early childhood programs (including early intervention and family support). Comparable as a federally funded, multi-program NFP serving vulnerable families including First Nations communities.
• Goodstart Early Learning: Australia's largest not-for-profit early childhood education provider with ~660 centres. Comparable as a large-scale Australian ECE provider serving disadvantaged families, though centre-based rather than home-visiting.

Emerging players

• Ngala (Ngala Early Learning & Parenting): Western Australian early childhood and parenting services provider offering home-visiting and centre-based programs. Comparable as a state-funded ECE service targeting vulnerable families with children aged 0–5.
• Connected Beginnings: Australian Government initiative supporting First Nations children's school readiness through integrated early years services. Complementary to HIPPY (HIPPY Mowanjum-Derby partners with Connected Beginnings), but comparable as a parallel state-funded ECE delivery program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
• Playgroup Australia: National peak body supporting community playgroups for young children and families. Comparable as a complementary low-cost, community-delivered early learning and family engagement model in Australia.

Others

• Brotherhood of St. Laurence: The parent social justice organisation that operates HIPPY Australia. Adjacent as the strategic parent, providing governance, infrastructure, and the Commonwealth funding relationship.
• SNAICC – National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care: The national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, focused on early childhood and the ACCO sector. Comparable as an ecosystem partner in First Nations ECE delivery and Closing the Gap implementation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HIPPYAus
• Instagraminstagram.com/hippy.australia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/brotherhood-of-st-laurence-hippy-australia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Brotherhood of St Laurence HIPPY Australia