Educator Yarns with Jessica Staines & Bec Burch

In this episode of Educator Yarns, we sit down with Sue Currell, an early childhood teacher from rural Cobden, Victoria, who has spent over 25 years transforming how Aboriginal perspectives are embedded in early learning settings. As a proud Gunditjmara woman who discovered her Aboriginal heritage later in life, Sue brings a unique perspective to reconciliation and cultural education. Working with a vibrant group of 16 children in the Narang room (meaning 'sun' in local Dhauwurd Wurrung language), Sue demonstrates how authentic Aboriginal education goes far beyond tokenistic activities. From her early days attending workshops with Aunty Fay Muir to becoming a driving force for cultural change across her organisation, Sue's journey exemplifies how one educator's commitment can ripple throughout an entire community. Her nomination as Educator of the Year beautifully captures her impact: "When you walk through Sue's classroom, Aboriginal culture is part of the day-to-day programme… You can hear and see a balance of traditional, contemporary, urban, regional and local perspectives through her holistic approach to teaching." Key Takeaways: Start small and authentic - Focus on one aspect that resonates with you, whether it's learning about local seasons or animal names, rather than trying to implement everything at once The Eight Ways of Learning framework - Use this pedagogical tool to ensure all children can access learning outcomes equally, regardless of their preferred learning style Create resource repositories - Sue developed a digital 'wall' where all educators can access Aboriginal stories, songs, and resources shared by Koorie Preschool Field Officers Six seasons curriculum - Learn how incorporating Indigenous seasonal calendars creates meaningful connections between children, Country, and community throughout the year Building genuine partnerships - Success comes from actively seeking connections with local Elders, attending cultural events, and most importantly, listening to Aboriginal voices Document and share knowledge - Prevent valuable learning moments from being lost by systematically collecting and sharing resources with your teaching team Embed culture in daily rhythms - From morning acknowledgements to using Dhauwurd Wurrung language for local animals, make Aboriginal perspectives part of everyday practice Tell truth-telling stories gently - Use resources like Adam Goodes' 'Birrarung's Country' to introduce concepts of colonisation in age-appropriate ways Connect with families meaningfully - Share your Aboriginal education journey with families weekly and invite them to contribute their own cultural knowledge Recognise it's an ongoing journey - As Sue quotes from Banjo Clarke's wisdom: "It's not like a jigsaw that at some point one day the jigsaw is complete" Sue's story reminds us that embedding Aboriginal perspectives authentically requires patience, humility, and genuine commitment to learning. Her transformation from having minimal resources 20 years ago to creating a classroom where Aboriginal culture breathes through every experience shows what's possible when educators take an active rather than passive approach. Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your practice, Sue's practical wisdom and heartfelt dedication offer a roadmap for creating truly inclusive early learning environments where all children can see themselves reflected and valued. 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 meet Andrea de Silva, a finalist for Ally of the Year at the Koorie Curriculum Educator Awards. Originally from India, Andrea shares her remarkable journey of cultural discovery and connection as she learned to authentically embed Aboriginal perspectives into her early childhood education practice. From initial uncertainty about protocols to becoming a confident advocate for Gana culture and language, Andrea's story demonstrates how educators from diverse backgrounds can meaningfully engage with Aboriginal cultures. Through her experiences with Uncle Tamaru's Gana language course, building relationships with Aboriginal families, and navigating cultural protocols with respect and humility, Andrea offers practical wisdom for educators beginning their own reconciliation journey. Her approach—rooted in genuine curiosity, cultural humility, and a commitment to getting it right—provides a roadmap for non-Indigenous educators seeking to create inclusive learning environments that honour Aboriginal voices and perspectives. Key Takeaways: Start with genuine connection: Andrea's journey began by wanting to connect more closely with Aboriginal families in her centre, recognising that understanding culture was essential for building authentic relationships Seek proper cultural guidance: Working with Uncle Tamaru through Galkina Beek provided authentic knowledge about Gana language, symbols, and protocols—moving beyond generic Google searches to place-based learning Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: When Andrea unknowingly photographed an Aboriginal girl with a didgeridoo, she used the family's gentle correction as a chance to deepen her understanding of gendered cultural protocols Daily practice creates lasting impact: Implementing daily yarning circles and incorporating Gana language into everyday routines helps children naturally integrate Aboriginal words into their vocabulary Understand diversity within Aboriginal cultures: Andrea learned the important distinction between general Aboriginal culture and specific Gana practices, including differences in artwork, language, and customs Build resource networks: Utilising tools like the Gana Language Dictionary and maintaining ongoing connections with cultural mentors ensures continued authentic practice Find cultural connections: Andrea discovered surprising similarities between Indian and Aboriginal cultures, particularly in bush tucker plants, family structures, and respect for Elders Don't let fear stop you: Andrea's key advice—"don't be scared to explore the culture"—emphasises that taking the first step leads to community support and guidance Involve families meaningfully: Regular communication about cultural activities, smoking ceremonies, and invitations to participate keeps Aboriginal families engaged as active partners Make learning fun and relevant: Teaching songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" in Gana language makes cultural learning engaging and memorable for young children Andrea's journey reminds us that becoming an ally isn't about perfection—it's about showing up with respect, humility, and a genuine desire to learn. Her story proves that educators from any cultural background can become powerful advocates for Aboriginal perspectives when they approach the work with an open heart and commitment to getting it right. As Andrea says, "Support the Aboriginal culture and connect with the generations… don't be fearful." 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 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.