Pinocchio Early Learning Centre Dickson

At our service, reconciliation means truth-telling, responsibility, and visibility. We believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures must be honoured not only acknowledged especially in the context of attempted erasure and ongoing inequity.

We are committed to creating a space where First Nations cultures are loud, proud, and celebrated. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures deserve to take up space embedded in daily practice, not confined to token moments or isolated events.

Our motivation is grounded in childrens rights, educator ethics, and our responsibilities under the EYLF and NQS. While a group of passionate educators has led this work, we are shifting towards a united team approach one that builds shared confidence, cultural understanding, and accountability.

We are mindful of the pattern of reconciliation being treated as a checklist. We aim to go deeper. This means supporting children to engage with complex, developmentally appropriate understandings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, perspectives, and histories. It means educators growing in their ability to reflect, embed, and speak with purpose.

Our practice includes daily Acknowledgement of Country, prioritising knowledge systems in curriculum, and building strong partnerships with families through ongoing communication. We are committed to expanding the voices we learn from and walk with.

We see reconciliation as a shared responsibility where staff are informed and empowered to share practice, children are supported become the empathetic advocates of tomorrow, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are made visible, not just symbols, but in spirit.