On 1 September 2004 Minister Garbutt launched the Djillay Lidji (Baw Baw/Morwell and District) Aboriginal Best Start demonstration project at the Gunai Lidj Childcare Centre in Morwell. Minister Garbutt was welcomed to the launch by Mr Willie Pepper, Executive Officer, Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health and Housing Co-operative, and Ms Dot Mullet, Elder and member of the Baw Baw Gurnai community.

One of the highlights of the occasion was the official welcome provided by the local dance group. The dancers illustrated the connectedness of the local Gunai people to their land.

The Aboriginal Best Start project is a significant undertaking for the two communities. The project aims to trial innovative ways to improve access to Aboriginal and mainstream universal services for young Aboriginal children and their families thereby improving their health, development, learning and wellbeing.

Mr Pepper spoke of the importance of the project for young Aboriginal children and their families.

Minister Garbutt commented that, "As part of Aboriginal Best Start, the initiative will explore ways of bringing together parents, Elders, health, education and community services and local government to better meet the needs of young children."

Mr Ormand Pearson, Chief Executive Officer, West Gippsland Healthcare Group, speaking on behalf of the Baw Baw Aboriginal community emphasised the support that mainstream organisations will give to the project to ensure its success.

Many Elders and local community members attended the launch as did many senior management staff from health, education and family support organisations.