Illawarra Academy of Early Learning - Warilla

At Illawarra Academy of Early Learning, we recognise and acknowledge the First Nations People of our land, predominantly the Wadi Wadi people of the Dharawal Nation. We honour and respect the deep abiding relationship they have to their Country and embrace the wisdom which Elders past, present and of the future hold and share.  

In developing a universal respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we believe this lies at the heart of reconciliation by acknowledging past injustices and moving forward together as a nation.  

Our vision for reconciliation is to build and maintain meaningful, respectful relationships as we believe this is paramount towards embedding reconciliation to form better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within our local community. What drives these relationships is engaging with and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations within our local community, as well as promoting and celebrating days of national significance.  

At Illawarra Academy, Reconciliation means being part of a change, and teaching the future generation to improve the outcomes of lives with equality. A reconciled Australia looks like a community which works together and ensures everyone can access their rights and freedom and feels like home, a place which is safe and secure, where discrimination and injustice is unknown. Our most powerful steps involve many changes within Illawarra Academy, through incorporating culture with respect and everyday practice, being consistent and appropriate towards cultures of our own practices and ensuring our guides are that and becoming unique in our ways which continue to respect the Traditional Custodians.  

We are committed to engaging with our local community, in order to strengthen relationships with the people outside of our service, along with expanding the perspective of the world for our children we teach.