Goodstart Early Learning centres from throughout the country have been taking part in Reconciliation Week by embracing this year’s theme of “Don’t Keep History A Mystery: Learn. Share. Grow”.
With 70,500 children in Goodstart’s care, the organisation recognises its vital role in supporting tomorrow’s future leaders to understand, respect and celebrate our past and support Australia’s progress in our reconciliation journey.
To celebrate the week at Goodstart’s Brisbane centre support office, a panel including CEO Julia Davison, Cultural Liaison Melody Ingra, Goodstart CSO colleagues and invited guests shared stories of what Reconciliation meant to them, both personally and professionally.
In Perth, WA staff shared information about the local Noongar language with displays and elders, while in Victoria a barbecue lunch was held with the team. A grandparent from a local service shared a story about what it was like to be part of the stolen generation.
Cultural Liaison Melody Ingra shared stories about our past and reinforced the point – it is our history.
“The history of this country where we live belongs to us all. It’s not just Aboriginal history, it’s everyone’s history,” Ms Ingra said. “It’s through stories that we learn. It’s through stories that we come to understand how to even start the journey.”
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) held from May 27 to June 3 is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation is about respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It’s about how we each think, feel and do. It lives in our hearts, minds and actions.
Reconciliation Australia defines five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, historical acceptance, and the fifth – unity, linking them all.
Goodstart’s Reconciliation journey
In July 2014 Goodstart partnered with Reconciliation Australia to develop our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Since then, over 200 of our centres have started their journey to develop a RAP in partnership with their communities with 22 publishing their RAP’s . Many centres have used the Narragunnawali early learning space to do this.
With 70,500 children in Goodstart’s care, the organisation recognises its vital role in supporting tomorrow’s future leaders to understand, respect and celebrate our past and support Australia’s progress in our reconciliation journey.
To celebrate the week at Goodstart’s Brisbane centre support office, a panel including CEO Julia Davison, Cultural Liaison Melody Ingra, Goodstart CSO colleagues and invited guests shared stories of what Reconciliation meant to them, both personally and professionally.
In Perth, WA staff shared information about the local Noongar language with displays and elders, while in Victoria a barbecue lunch was held with the team. A grandparent from a local service shared a story about what it was like to be part of the stolen generation.
Cultural Liaison Melody Ingra shared stories about our past and reinforced the point – it is our history.
“The history of this country where we live belongs to us all. It’s not just Aboriginal history, it’s everyone’s history,” Ms Ingra said. “It’s through stories that we learn. It’s through stories that we come to understand how to even start the journey.”
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) held from May 27 to June 3 is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
What is Reconciliation?
Reconciliation is about respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It’s about how we each think, feel and do. It lives in our hearts, minds and actions.
Reconciliation Australia defines five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, historical acceptance, and the fifth – unity, linking them all.
Goodstart’s Reconciliation journey
In July 2014 Goodstart partnered with Reconciliation Australia to develop our inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Since then, over 200 of our centres have started their journey to develop a RAP in partnership with their communities with 22 publishing their RAP’s . Many centres have used the Narragunnawali early learning space to do this.