In this episode of Educator Yarns, we sit down with Hayley Callaghan, a dedicated cultural officer and early childhood educator at Learning Pathways in Toowoomba.

Hayley, a proud Kamilaroi woman from Goondiwindi Country, shares her profound journey of cultural rediscovery and how she's transformed her personal exploration into meaningful educational practices.

From raising over $500 through a Where It Yellow fundraiser to implementing the Aboriginal Eight Ways of Learning pedagogy, Hayley demonstrates how one educator's passion can create ripple effects throughout an entire learning community.

As a mother of five who grew up disconnected from her cultural roots, Hayley's story resonates deeply as she discusses the challenges and triumphs of fostering cultural understanding in mainstream early childhood settings.

Her candid insights about building relationships with families, supporting fellow educators, and creating culturally safe environments offer practical wisdom for anyone seeking to authentically embed Aboriginal perspectives in their practice.

Key Takeaways:

Personal cultural journey matters - Hayley's experience of rediscovering her own Kamilaroi heritage whilst teaching demonstrates that educators are learners too, and authenticity comes from acknowledging we're all on a continuous learning journey

Start with connection, not perfection - Building genuine relationships with Indigenous families begins with simple invitations and regular communication, even if uptake is initially low

The Eight Ways of Learning pedagogy - Hayley is actively working to unpack and implement this Aboriginal pedagogical framework throughout her centre, showing how Indigenous ways of knowing can enhance all children's learning

Visible cultural presence creates belonging - Strategic use of hallway displays, provocations with natural materials, and welcoming signage helps families know they belong from the moment they enter

Challenge requires courage - Overcoming the perception that focusing on Aboriginal culture excludes others required direct conversations with staff about ensuring all cultures are valued and represented

Time constraints are real but manageable - As a working educator with limited cultural officer hours, Hayley emphasises the importance of planning and preparation to maximise cultural learning opportunities

Community connections amplify impact - Attending cultural events and building relationships with local Indigenous community members like Tiffany provides invaluable support and authentic learning experiences

Children as cultural leaders - Hayley's seven-year-old son's enthusiasm for cultural dancing and her older son applying to be his school's cultural leader shows how educator passion transfers to the next generation

Nature as teacher - Getting outside and connecting with Country provides inspiration and authentic contexts for cultural learning that can't be replicated indoors

Include Aboriginal perspectives regardless of enrolment - Teaching on Aboriginal land means embedding Indigenous perspectives is essential whether you have Aboriginal children in your service

Hayley's journey reminds us that creating culturally rich early learning environments doesn't require perfection—it requires heart, humility, and a willingness to learn alongside the children and families we serve.

Access the episode resources here.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.

In this episode of Educator Yarns, hosts Jessica Staines from Koori Curriculum and Bec Buch from Bush Kindy Australia dive deep into practical examples of environmental advocacy that early childhood educators can implement with young children.

From the fascinating world of flying foxes in Tamworth to innovative community partnerships, Jeff and Beck share real-world stories that demonstrate how children as young as three can become active environmental stewards in their communities.

The conversation explores the critical importance of coexisting harmoniously with native wildlife, challenging common misconceptions about 'pest' animals, and revealing how simple actions like proper wildlife feeding can make significant impacts.

Through engaging anecdotes about children writing to MPs, creating handmade signs to protect koalas, and participating in regeneration programmes, this episode showcases how environmental education goes beyond mere observation to foster genuine reciprocity with Country.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why feeding birds traditional seed feeders can actually harm them and discover native plant alternatives that provide sustainable food sources for local wildlife
• Understand how to transform children into active citizens by teaching them to use council reporting apps for environmental issues like rubbish and damaged infrastructure
• Discover the powerful impact of child-made signage in preventing littering and protecting wildlife, with real examples of success stories from early learning centres
• Explore the concept of reciprocity with Country - ensuring every bush kindy session includes giving back through rubbish collection or regeneration activities
• Gain insights into responding appropriately to wildlife after natural disasters, including when to intervene and how to connect with local wildlife carers
• Learn about innovative sustainability practices like the Boomerang Bags project, where children use sewing machines to create reusable shopping bags from recycled materials
• Understand the importance of teaching coexistence with native animals rather than viewing them as pests, including practical solutions like possum boxes and frog ponds
• Discover how to implement mindful procurement practices in early learning centres, considering environmental impact, ethics, and alternatives before purchasing
• Learn strategies for building children's knowledge about local flora and fauna, including nocturnal visitors and often-misunderstood creatures like bush turkeys and ibises
• Understand how small actions like choosing eco-friendly detergents can protect local platypus populations and other sensitive wildlife in waterways

This episode brilliantly demonstrates that environmental advocacy isn't just about teaching children to care for nature - it's about empowering them to take meaningful action that creates real change in their communities.

By embedding these practices into daily routines and viewing every interaction with the environment through the lens of reciprocity and respect, educators can nurture a generation of environmental custodians who understand their role in caring for Country.

Whether you're just beginning your journey with bush kindy programmes or looking to deepen your existing practice, the practical strategies and inspiring stories shared by Jeff and Beck will transform how you approach environmental education in your setting.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Lisa Mavin, the nominated supervisor of Tilly's Play Development Centre in Rutherford, who shares her remarkable 18-year journey in early childhood education and her transformative approach to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in mainstream services.

As a non-Aboriginal educator married into an Aboriginal family, Lisa offers a unique perspective on creating culturally safe environments and building genuine relationships with First Nations communities.

In this episode, Lisa reveals how she completely restructured her centre's approach to Aboriginal perspectives by starting with foundational education about history and intergenerational trauma, shares the powerful story of how her husband's willingness to share his experiences catalysed change throughout their 50-educator team, and discusses innovative initiatives like their Cultural Squad programme.

From transforming a mainstream service into one that's recognised and celebrated within the local Aboriginal community to practical strategies for overcoming common challenges, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for educators at any stage of their reconciliation journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with history, not activities - Lisa removed all Aboriginal programming, including Acknowledgement of Country, to focus first on educating staff about history and its ongoing impacts on families today
• Relationships before resources - Building genuine, trusting relationships with Aboriginal families and community members must come before asking for cultural knowledge or guidance
• Non-Aboriginal people can be powerful advocates - You don't need to be Aboriginal to create meaningful change; Lisa demonstrates how non-Aboriginal educators can lead cultural transformation
• The importance of understanding intergenerational trauma - Recognising why some Aboriginal families may not immediately trust mainstream services is crucial for creating culturally safe environments
• Cultural Squads create sustainable change - Establishing a dedicated team of educators and children from diverse backgrounds to lead cultural initiatives ensures ongoing momentum
• Make accountability visible - Creating a public vision board in the hallway keeps goals transparent and invites family input whilst maintaining focus on commitments
• Critical reflection time is essential - Providing educators with dedicated off-floor hours for cultural learning and reflection enables deeper understanding and meaningful implementation
• Size brings unique challenges - Whether you have 3 or 50 educators, each setting faces distinct obstacles in creating unified cultural approaches
• Eight Ways of Learning requires foundation first - Implementing Aboriginal pedagogies works best after establishing solid historical understanding and cultural awareness
• Word-of-mouth validates your journey - When Aboriginal health workers and community members recommend your service, you know you're creating genuine cultural safety

Lisa's journey demonstrates that creating a culturally responsive early childhood service isn't about perfect knowledge or having all the answers—it's about commitment, humility, and the willingness to challenge existing practices.

Access the episode resources here.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.

In this deeply insightful episode of Educator Yarns, we journey with Kat Fulford, a passionate early childhood educator from Ararat, Victoria, who shares her transformative approach to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in kindergarten education.

From her unique background transitioning from agricultural industry to early childhood education, Kat brings a profound connection to Country that permeates every aspect of her teaching practice. She candidly discusses the challenges of finding Aboriginal education resources in regional Victoria, the powerful moments that shaped her commitment to this work, and practical strategies for creating meaningful connections between children and Country.

Kat reveals how simple acts like wearing clothing with Indigenous patterns can signal safety and inclusion to Aboriginal families, and shares moving stories about five-year-olds becoming advocates for acknowledging traditional owners in their primary schools. This conversation offers invaluable insights into slow pedagogy, seasonal learning through Aboriginal perspectives, and the importance of building authentic relationships with local Aboriginal communities.

Key Takeaways:

• Plant the seeds early: Children as young as five can understand and advocate for Aboriginal recognition, becoming champions for respect of traditional owners in their future schools and communities
• Embrace slow pedagogy: Following Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann's Dadirri philosophy allows children to deeply connect with Country and develop organic, meaningful relationships with Aboriginal perspectives
• Learn through Aboriginal seasons: Grounding curriculum in local Aboriginal seasonal calendars creates authentic place-based learning that connects children to the natural cycles of their environment
• Every element can include Aboriginal perspectives: From nature play to sustainability projects, there's no aspect of early childhood education that can't incorporate Indigenous knowledge
• Start where you are: Even without extensive knowledge, beginning the journey and being open about learning alongside children creates powerful educational moments
• Build community networks: In regional areas, 'local' may mean travelling hours to connect with Aboriginal organisations, but these relationships are invaluable for authentic practice
• Use multiple resources: Organisations like VAEAI (Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated), local AECGs, and Koorie Education Support Officers provide essential support and guidance
• Language preservation matters: Understanding the devastating impact of language loss helps educators appreciate why maintaining and reviving Aboriginal languages is crucial for cultural survival
• Small gestures have big impacts: Simple actions like displaying Aboriginal flags or wearing Indigenous patterns can signal to Aboriginal families that their children will be culturally safe
• Mistakes are learning opportunities: Following the principle that "you can't get it wrong by trying," educators should start their journey without fear, adjusting their approach as they learn

This episode demonstrates how one educator's commitment to sharing Country's story has created ripple effects throughout her community, inspiring children, families, and fellow educators to engage more deeply with Aboriginal perspectives.

Kat's practical examples, from growing rare native plants with children to developing child-led Acknowledgements of Country, provide a roadmap for educators seeking to embed authentic Aboriginal content in their programs. Her emphasis on relationship-building, continuous learning, and the courage to begin despite uncertainty offers both inspiration and practical guidance for early childhood professionals at any stage of their reconciliation journey.

Access the episode resources here.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.

Educator Yarns Season 5 Episode 10: From Intention to Connection: A Guide to Engaging with Local Aboriginal Communities

In this episode of Educator Yarns, hosts Jessica Staines and Bec Burch tackle one of the most frequently asked questions in early childhood education: how to appropriately and respectfully connect with local Aboriginal communities.

Prompted by a heartfelt voicemail from Kate at Little Saints at Tallebudgera, who runs a Bush Kindy program seeking guidance on community engagement, the hosts dive deep into the nuanced process of building authentic relationships with Aboriginal elders and knowledge holders.

Drawing from years of personal experience, including both inspiring successes and confronting challenges, Jess and Bec unpack why the journey to meaningful connection requires far more than a simple phone call or email.

They explore the critical importance of understanding your 'why', ensuring cultural safety within your service, and demonstrating genuine reciprocity through community involvement before seeking support for your programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with your 'why' - Before reaching out to Aboriginal community members, clearly define what knowledge or support you're seeking (language, local history, flora/fauna knowledge, cultural perspectives) as different people hold different expertise
• Build relationships before making requests - Attend local Aboriginal community events, volunteer at cultural festivals, visit markets, and participate in reconciliation activities to establish genuine connections over time
• Ensure cultural safety in your service - Examine whether your centre truly welcomes Aboriginal visitors through proper introductions, hospitality, comfortable spaces, and respectful engagement from all staff members
• Connect through established pathways - Utilise resources like local council Aboriginal liaison officers, inclusion support services, reconciliation groups, school liaison officers, and community organisations rather than expecting direct elder contacts
• Demonstrate reciprocity - Offer your time and services to community events, run activity stalls at NAIDOC celebrations, provide transport for elders, and show you're invested in giving back before asking for support
• Consider diverse engagement models - Move beyond traditional 'incursion' formats to explore mentoring for educators, informal yarning sessions, small group interactions, or recorded stories using QR codes for ongoing access
• Respect cultural protocols - Understand that not every Aboriginal person can speak on all topics; knowledge sharing has specific custodians, and cultural integrity must be maintained
• Budget for proper remuneration - Allocate funds to appropriately compensate Aboriginal community members for their time, knowledge, and travel when engaging with your service
• Create authentic rather than performative experiences - Focus on natural interactions like elders sharing stories during play rather than expecting formal presentations to large groups of children
• Amplify Aboriginal voices when community members aren't present - Purchase books by local Aboriginal authors, display Aboriginal artwork, and integrate recorded stories or songs into your daily program

Building meaningful connections with Aboriginal communities isn't about finding quick contacts or ticking boxes—it's about embarking on a genuine journey of relationship building that enriches your educational program whilst honouring Aboriginal knowledge and culture.

As Jess and Bec remind us, this process takes time, authenticity, and a commitment to reciprocity, but the rewards for children, educators, and communities are immeasurable.

Start by examining your motivations, engaging with your local Aboriginal community events, and creating a culturally safe environment that truly welcomes Aboriginal voices into your educational space.

Access the episode resources here.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.

In this episode of Educator Yarns, we speak with Stephanie Watson, an inspiring early childhood educator and nominee for the Koori Curriculum Early Childhood Educator of the Year awards.

Based at Happy Hearts Academy Early Learning Centre in Helensburgh, Stephanie has transformed her service's approach to embedding Aboriginal perspectives through developing a meaningful Reconciliation Action Plan from scratch.

With over ten years of experience in early childhood education, Stephanie shares her journey from wanting to work with the Starlight Foundation to becoming an educational leader passionate about ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and perspectives are authentically integrated into daily practice.

Her story reveals how dedicated research, community connections, and persistent advocacy can create meaningful cultural learning experiences for both educators and children.

Key Takeaways

• Stephanie developed a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) from scratch at her service, transforming it from a token gesture into a living, breathing document that staff engage with daily.

• She emphasises the importance of embedding Aboriginal perspectives with meaning and passion, rather than just including them because they're required.

• When seeking local Aboriginal connections, Stephanie found it beneficial to look beyond immediate geographical boundaries to find community members and resources in neighbouring areas.

• Creating a visible RAP display in the centre hallway increased staff and family interest and participation in reconciliation initiatives.

• Stephanie recognises that educators can contribute to reconciliation work within their own rooms through simple changes like incorporating Aboriginal artwork and thoughtful use of colours.

• She highlights the distinction between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation in the early childhood setting, ensuring respectful engagement with Aboriginal cultures.

• The centre successfully organised a remote Christmas drive, collecting five large tubs of donated toys for Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory.

• Fundraising efforts for the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation raised over £400, demonstrating practical commitment to supporting Indigenous education.

• Non-Indigenous families have shown enthusiastic support for Aboriginal perspectives being embedded in the curriculum, providing positive feedback and engagement.

• Stephanie's approach includes continuous professional development, ensuring educators have access to accurate information and appropriate resources.

Stephanie's journey demonstrates how one passionate educator can transform an entire service's approach to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in early childhood education.

By creating meaningful connections, engaging all stakeholders, and maintaining a commitment to continuous learning, she has developed a model that other services can aspire to.

If you're looking to enhance your own practice and create more authentic cultural experiences for children, this episode provides practical strategies and inspiration to begin your own reconciliation journey.

Access the episode resources here.