The early childhood years are not just about learning letters and numbers. They are the years when children form their understanding of the world — who belongs, who matters, and how we treat one another.

Research tells us that children as young as three begin to notice difference, and by five or six, they are already making sense of fairness and identity. This means that early learning settings are one of the most important places where a culture of respect, curiosity, and inclusion can take root.

Reconciliation is not a destination. It is a way of being. And it begins in the earliest years of life. Each of our centres explored Reconciliation Week in their own special way that included activities and excursions. We had a number of centres invite First Nations people into the environments to exchange stories and dance, some included art installations and brought together the understanding of community and friendships in yarning circles too. We especially loved how our educators worked alongside a group of our OSHC children to learn the Auslan signs to a beautiful Noongar Wanjoo (Welcome) song. Take a peak at them here.

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Last week, our head office team had the privilege of taking part in a Walk on Country — and it is fair to say it was a morning none of us will forget. During our time on Country, we were also invited to practise Dadirri — a concept from the Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngen'giwumirri peoples of the Daly River region, introduced to many Australians through the teachings of Elder Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr Baumann. Dadirri is often described as deep listening and quiet still awareness — a way of being fully present, of listening not just with your ears but with your whole self.

We sat together in stillness. We breathed. We listened to the sounds of Country around us — wind through leaves, birds calling, the earth itself speaking in its own unhurried way. For many of us who spend our days in the beautiful, busy hum of early childhood settings, this kind of deep, intentional stillness was both unfamiliar and profound.

Special thank you to our leadership team including Managing Director - Rory Hindle, CEO - Todd Dawson and our Pedagogical leader - Cecelia Waters who led the walk on country, and included meaningful moments and conversation.

We came away with a renewed sense of why this work matters — and a deep gratitude to the custodians of Country who so generously share their knowledge and welcome others in.

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