The department recently sponsored 4 delegates from rural and regional Victoria to join the Early Childhood Australia Reconciliation Symposium, held on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May 2024.
As part of our commitment to strengthening Aboriginal inclusion and self-determination – and in line with our commitment to achieving the goals set out in Marrung: Aboriginal Education Plan 2016–2026 and actions in Dhelk Wukang 2022–2026 Aboriginal Inclusion Plan – we supported 4 Victorian delegates to join more than 300 people from the early childhood sector at the annual event.
Exploring reconciliation
Across the 2 days, attendees explored the nature of reconciliation, how educators can implement good practice in their daily interactions with children and families, and how we can work towards a better future for all Australians.
Jacinta Anderson from Latrobe City Council, Bianca Hornby from Alpine Children’s Services, Holly Swetman from Shine Bright EYM in Bendigo, and Sarah Womersley from Anglesea Kindergarten all received travel scholarships to attend the event.
Alongside 300 attendees from across Australia, they heard from a range of keynote speakers that included an opening address from Karen Mundine, CEO, Reconciliation Australia, and talks from Catherine Liddle, CEO, Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care, Aunty Denise Proud and Dr Melinda Miller.
Our delegates said the event offered valuable opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with their peers, led by guest speakers who shared their own valuable insights and wisdom on supporting cultural safety in the sector.
Supporting cultural safety
To help you promote cultural safety and Aboriginal self-determination in your services, please refer to our resources to support Koorie children and families.
You can also learn more about self-determination in the broader education system by reading Strengthening Aboriginal Self-Determination in Education - Campfire Conversations: reflections and directions 2022-23.
Last month’s edition of Early Childhood Update, also contains advice about how we can support this vision in early childhood education through reconciliation action plans.
Dhelk Wukang
Dhelk Wukang means ‘giving goodness, giving respect’ in the language of the Djaara people of central north-western Victoria.
It is our pledge to strengthen Aboriginal inclusion and cultural safety and promote Aboriginal self-determination at all levels within the department.
Find out more
For more information, visit the Early Childhood Australia Reconciliation Symposium website.
For further enquiries, please contact the department by email: ec.quality.supports@education.vic.gov.au
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