General News
9 November, 2022
Celebrating Indigenous history
KINDERGARTEN groups came together recently to learn the language of the world’s oldest living culture.
KINDERGARTEN groups came together recently to learn the language of the world’s oldestliving culture.
Children had the opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal language and culture as it is adopted into daily learning.
Children from the Port Fairy Community Services Centre and Mortlake Kindergarten groups visited Tower Hill in Koroit to enjoy a ‘Dayon Country’.
The cultural event was made possible thanks to Language Program funding from the Department of Education, targeted at supporting the inclusion of Indigenous languages and culture into Early Years curriculums.
Mortlake Kindergarten educational leader Jane Gough said developing a greater understanding and respect for local Aboriginal culture was an important part of the services provided by the early years team.
“This is an incredible achievement by both of these services and the decision to learn about and embed local Aboriginal languages and culture within our services has enabled us to strengthen our connection with our Indigenous community,” she said.
“Not only has this funding enabled us to provide important cultural experiences for the children, but it has helped us foster a strong and supportive relationship with the Gunditjmara Cooperative to implement the local Aboriginal ‘Peek Wurrong’ and ‘Kirrae Wurrong’ languages into our curriculums.”
Moyne Shire Cr Ian Smith said continuing to run similar programs was essential in increasing cultural awareness and building stronger connections to Australia’s native culture.
He thanked the early years team for their dedication to promoting and enhancing knowledge of cultural values.
“We are thrilled that our early years team put together this opportunity to teach the importance of respecting our Indigenous community, celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting Reconciliation,” Cr Smith said.
“Holding this learning activity at Tower Hill was incredibly special, especially with Worn Gundidj leading the day and empowering local Indigenous people to deliver their own aspirations.”
As part of the Day on Country excursion, the kindergarten children enjoyed hands-on cultural activities including face painting, dancing, artifact talk, nature discussions, boomerang painting, group singing and a Welcome to Country.
The event was initiated by the teachers of the Mortlake Kindergarten and Port Fairy Community Services Centre and organised in conjunction with representatives from Tower Hill, Worn Gundidj, Gunditjmara Koori Preschool Assistant Bronwyn Ferguson and Moyne Shire Early Years Management.