Illawarra Academy of Early Learning - Lake Illawarra

At Illawarra Academy of Early Learning, we acknowledge the First Nations Peoples of this Land, in particular the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal Nation, who are deeply connected to our local community. We honour their enduring relationship with Country and respect the knowledge and wisdom held by Elders past, present and emerging.     

We believe reconciliation begins with recognising past injustices and working together towards a future built on respect, equity, equality, and understanding.  

Our vision is to foster meaningful, respectful relationships that strengthen connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within our community.     

This vision is brought to life by engaging with and supporting local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, as well as by promoting and celebrating days of cultural and national significance. For us, reconciliation means being part of positive change, guiding future generations to create a fairer society where equality is a lived reality.     

A reconciled Australia is one where all people feel safe, respected and at home where rights are upheld, voices are valued, and discrimination and injustice no longer exist. At Illawarra Academy, we take steps each day to respectfully embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into our practice with integrity and respect, ensuring that our programs reflect the voices of First Peoples, while providing children with broader perspectives of the world around them.     

We are committed to walking alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the wider community, learning together, and continuing to build strong, respectful connections that honour and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.