Being brave and making change for Reconciliation Week

"Inclusion Support QLD came together to share their commitment to ‘Be Brave, Make Change’ in their journey towards a reconciled Australia. The Inclusion Professionals had the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives while designing a Sea of Hands.” Soraya Apps, State Manager Inclusion Support QLD.

“We talked to the children about our Butchulla lore during our whole centre daily acknowledgement. Together we did handprints and sent them to head office with messages of reconciliation. This is our Sea of Hands on display in the Brisbane.” Kerry Tatchell, Director Wondunna Long Day Care Centre.

“We celebrated reconciliation week with a Sea of Hands that was on display through the week with families being encouraged to create their own hand and plant it. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was also published on 27th May 2022, which was great timing to demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation. It was truly an inspiring week and demonstrated our journey and commitment to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in our community.” Sue Weymouth, Director St Michaels College Early Learning Centre.

“We learned Yugambeh language for animals and numbers, read Dreamtime stories and created a yarning wall and Sea of Hands.” Charmaine Guymer, Assistant Director AB Paterson Early Childhood Centre.

“We made a poster and held a conversation with a local Bulu Yabun Aunty Christine about inclusive language and reconciliation.” Elizabeth Blundell, Coordinator Helping Hands Bribie Island.

“Our centre acknowledged National Reconciliation Week with a community “Sea of Hands”. This initiated many rich conversations and participation from our community with over 300 hands. That is 300 conversations learning about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia” Alana McHugh, Centre Director Goodstart Moreton Downs.

“Our Kindy children decided the best way to be brave and make change was to protect the land of the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi people and to pick up the litter in our area. We went for a walk and what did we see? Lots of rubbish. We made change by respecting the lands of the Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi people and caring for the land.” Adelle Grams, service Manager Currimundi Childcare and Education Centre.