Children’s Voices Centre

The Children’s Voices Centre (CVC) at Charles Sturt University conducts interdisciplinary research with, for and about children. The CVC’s research focuses on empowering children to communicate, collaborate and help shape a more inclusive and equitable world.

The CVC's initiatives are guided by the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, reinforcing the idea that children have the right to be heard and participate in decisions affecting them.

Who this initiative supports

The centre works with stakeholders, including:

  • Children (birth-12 years) and young people (12-18 years), especially those whose voices are less heard
  • Families and communities in diverse locations
  • Teachers, educators and early childhood professionals
  • Healthcare and allied health professionals
  • Researchers and policymakers
  • Health and education sector providers and representatives
  • Government departments and international organisations

Research is conducted at the CVC’s flagship child-centre Treehouse building on CSU’s Bathurst campus, and in environments where children live, such as homes, schools, early childhood centres, healthcare settings and community spaces.

Our Work and Impact

The centre conducts interdisciplinary research and programs designed to amplify children’s voices and improve outcomes for them.

Key focus areas include:

Children’s voices and participation: Supporting ALL children to express their perspectives and participate in decision-making processes through innovative, inclusive research practices.

Multilingual children’s speech: Research supporting children who speak multiple languages and helping professionals understand multilingual communication.

Early childhood-related workforce: Improving early childhood education and health systems and workforce sustainability.

Speech, language and communication needs: Developing evidence-based practices to support children with speech or communication challenges.

The centre also researches children’s health, wellbeing and participation in everyday activities.

The CVC initiatives aim to:

  • Promote children’s participation in advocating for social justice and equity
  • Improve children's education, health and communication outcomes
  • Influence policy, professional practice and services for children
  • Reduce barriers to social, health and educational inclusion for children with diverse abilities or backgrounds

The research contributes to global initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education (SDG 4), good health and well being (SDG 3), reduced inequalities (SDG 10) and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

How to get involved

Learn more about being part of the Children's Voices Centre

  • CVC Affilliates are Charles Sturt  University staff, students or adjuncts who undertake research with, for and/or about children
  • CVC Friends are anyone in the community (individuals or groups) who would like to be on the CVC mailing list to find out more about work
  • Engage with us as a research partner, studen, donor or volunteer
  • We extend an invitation to join us in our work by providing funds or inkind supoort for our work (we welcome support on specific prpjects, equipment, personnel and digital presence).
  • Learn more about other ways you can engage with the Children's Voices Centre here

Register to present at or attend our free online online Children's Voices Conference 2026

The Children’s Voices Centre offers much more than what’s highlighted here. To learn more about their research, projects and impact, visit the Children’s Voices Centre website.

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