In this episode of Educator Yarns, we sit down with Sue Currell, an early childhood teacher from rural Cobden, Victoria, who has spent over 25 years transforming how Aboriginal perspectives are embedded in early learning settings.

As a proud Gunditjmara woman who discovered her Aboriginal heritage later in life, Sue brings a unique perspective to reconciliation and cultural education. Working with a vibrant group of 16 children in the Narang room (meaning 'sun' in local Dhauwurd Wurrung language), Sue demonstrates how authentic Aboriginal education goes far beyond tokenistic activities.

From her early days attending workshops with Aunty Fay Muir to becoming a driving force for cultural change across her organisation, Sue's journey exemplifies how one educator's commitment can ripple throughout an entire community.

Her nomination as Educator of the Year beautifully captures her impact: "When you walk through Sue's classroom, Aboriginal culture is part of the day-to-day programme… You can hear and see a balance of traditional, contemporary, urban, regional and local perspectives through her holistic approach to teaching."

Key Takeaways:

Start small and authentic - Focus on one aspect that resonates with you, whether it's learning about local seasons or animal names, rather than trying to implement everything at once

The Eight Ways of Learning framework - Use this pedagogical tool to ensure all children can access learning outcomes equally, regardless of their preferred learning style

Create resource repositories - Sue developed a digital 'wall' where all educators can access Aboriginal stories, songs, and resources shared by Koorie Preschool Field Officers

Six seasons curriculum - Learn how incorporating Indigenous seasonal calendars creates meaningful connections between children, Country, and community throughout the year

Building genuine partnerships - Success comes from actively seeking connections with local Elders, attending cultural events, and most importantly, listening to Aboriginal voices

Document and share knowledge - Prevent valuable learning moments from being lost by systematically collecting and sharing resources with your teaching team

Embed culture in daily rhythms - From morning acknowledgements to using Dhauwurd Wurrung language for local animals, make Aboriginal perspectives part of everyday practice

Tell truth-telling stories gently - Use resources like Adam Goodes' 'Birrarung's Country' to introduce concepts of colonisation in age-appropriate ways

Connect with families meaningfully - Share your Aboriginal education journey with families weekly and invite them to contribute their own cultural knowledge

Recognise it's an ongoing journey - As Sue quotes from Banjo Clarke's wisdom: "It's not like a jigsaw that at some point one day the jigsaw is complete"

Sue's story reminds us that embedding Aboriginal perspectives authentically requires patience, humility, and genuine commitment to learning. Her transformation from having minimal resources 20 years ago to creating a classroom where Aboriginal culture breathes through every experience shows what's possible when educators take an active rather than passive approach.

Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your practice, Sue's practical wisdom and heartfelt dedication offer a roadmap for creating truly inclusive early learning environments where all children can see themselves reflected and valued.

Access the episode resources here.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.

In this episode of Educator Yarns, we meet Andrea de Silva, a finalist for Ally of the Year at the Koorie Curriculum Educator Awards.

Originally from India, Andrea shares her remarkable journey of cultural discovery and connection as she learned to authentically embed Aboriginal perspectives into her early childhood education practice. From initial uncertainty about protocols to becoming a confident advocate for Gana culture and language, Andrea's story demonstrates how educators from diverse backgrounds can meaningfully engage with Aboriginal cultures.

Through her experiences with Uncle Tamaru's Gana language course, building relationships with Aboriginal families, and navigating cultural protocols with respect and humility, Andrea offers practical wisdom for educators beginning their own reconciliation journey.

Her approach—rooted in genuine curiosity, cultural humility, and a commitment to getting it right—provides a roadmap for non-Indigenous educators seeking to create inclusive learning environments that honour Aboriginal voices and perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with genuine connection: Andrea's journey began by wanting to connect more closely with Aboriginal families in her centre, recognising that understanding culture was essential for building authentic relationships
• Seek proper cultural guidance: Working with Uncle Tamaru through Galkina Beek provided authentic knowledge about Gana language, symbols, and protocols—moving beyond generic Google searches to place-based learning
• Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: When Andrea unknowingly photographed an Aboriginal girl with a didgeridoo, she used the family's gentle correction as a chance to deepen her understanding of gendered cultural protocols
• Daily practice creates lasting impact: Implementing daily yarning circles and incorporating Gana language into everyday routines helps children naturally integrate Aboriginal words into their vocabulary
• Understand diversity within Aboriginal cultures: Andrea learned the important distinction between general Aboriginal culture and specific Gana practices, including differences in artwork, language, and customs
• Build resource networks: Utilising tools like the Gana Language Dictionary and maintaining ongoing connections with cultural mentors ensures continued authentic practice
• Find cultural connections: Andrea discovered surprising similarities between Indian and Aboriginal cultures, particularly in bush tucker plants, family structures, and respect for Elders
• Don't let fear stop you: Andrea's key advice—"don't be scared to explore the culture"—emphasises that taking the first step leads to community support and guidance
• Involve families meaningfully: Regular communication about cultural activities, smoking ceremonies, and invitations to participate keeps Aboriginal families engaged as active partners
• Make learning fun and relevant: Teaching songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" in Gana language makes cultural learning engaging and memorable for young children

Andrea's journey reminds us that becoming an ally isn't about perfection—it's about showing up with respect, humility, and a genuine desire to learn.

Her story proves that educators from any cultural background can become powerful advocates for Aboriginal perspectives when they approach the work with an open heart and commitment to getting it right. As Andrea says, "Support the Aboriginal culture and connect with the generations… don't be fearful."

Access the episode resources here.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.

In this episode of Educator Yarns, we sit down with Hayley Callaghan, a dedicated cultural officer and early childhood educator at Learning Pathways in Toowoomba.

Hayley, a proud Kamilaroi woman from Goondiwindi Country, shares her profound journey of cultural rediscovery and how she's transformed her personal exploration into meaningful educational practices.

From raising over $500 through a Where It Yellow fundraiser to implementing the Aboriginal Eight Ways of Learning pedagogy, Hayley demonstrates how one educator's passion can create ripple effects throughout an entire learning community.

As a mother of five who grew up disconnected from her cultural roots, Hayley's story resonates deeply as she discusses the challenges and triumphs of fostering cultural understanding in mainstream early childhood settings.

Her candid insights about building relationships with families, supporting fellow educators, and creating culturally safe environments offer practical wisdom for anyone seeking to authentically embed Aboriginal perspectives in their practice.

Key Takeaways:

Personal cultural journey matters - Hayley's experience of rediscovering her own Kamilaroi heritage whilst teaching demonstrates that educators are learners too, and authenticity comes from acknowledging we're all on a continuous learning journey

Start with connection, not perfection - Building genuine relationships with Indigenous families begins with simple invitations and regular communication, even if uptake is initially low

The Eight Ways of Learning pedagogy - Hayley is actively working to unpack and implement this Aboriginal pedagogical framework throughout her centre, showing how Indigenous ways of knowing can enhance all children's learning

Visible cultural presence creates belonging - Strategic use of hallway displays, provocations with natural materials, and welcoming signage helps families know they belong from the moment they enter

Challenge requires courage - Overcoming the perception that focusing on Aboriginal culture excludes others required direct conversations with staff about ensuring all cultures are valued and represented

Time constraints are real but manageable - As a working educator with limited cultural officer hours, Hayley emphasises the importance of planning and preparation to maximise cultural learning opportunities

Community connections amplify impact - Attending cultural events and building relationships with local Indigenous community members like Tiffany provides invaluable support and authentic learning experiences

Children as cultural leaders - Hayley's seven-year-old son's enthusiasm for cultural dancing and her older son applying to be his school's cultural leader shows how educator passion transfers to the next generation

Nature as teacher - Getting outside and connecting with Country provides inspiration and authentic contexts for cultural learning that can't be replicated indoors

Include Aboriginal perspectives regardless of enrolment - Teaching on Aboriginal land means embedding Indigenous perspectives is essential whether you have Aboriginal children in your service

Hayley's journey reminds us that creating culturally rich early learning environments doesn't require perfection—it requires heart, humility, and a willingness to learn alongside the children and families we serve.

Access the episode resources here.

Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.