Our Southern Melbourne Area Early Childhood Improvement Branch (ECIB) runs local government area-based yarning networks each term. These provide valuable opportunities for early years educators to come together and deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The ECIB organises the networks, in collaboration with the Koorie Engagement Support Officers, local government and early years service providers.
During the sessions, early years educators have the chance to ask questions, share ideas and explore meaningful ways to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures within their services.
Learning together
The terms 1 and 2, 2025 yarning networks explored a range of topics and experiences.
At the City of Casey Term 1 network, held at Mayone Bulluk Kindergarten, guest speaker Jaeden Williams shared his personal story. He offered powerful insights into Boonwurrung culture and ways of being.
Participant Peta McGregor, kindergarten teacher at Strathaird Kindergarten, said she gained a lot of practical knowledge from the session.
‘Attending the session is not only informative, but with each session that I attend my confidence to embed a genuine connection to Country and share information with the children increases,’ she said.
Gaining confidence
To build on her learning, Peta attended again in Term 2, 2025, where she heard from guest speaker Steve Parker, a Boonwurrung, Yorta Yorta, Erub man from Millowl Dreaming. The session began with a smoking ceremony before Steve spoke about aspects of Boonwurrung culture, including some Boonwurrung words. Educators also had a chance to network in small groups and ask questions.
‘Although I have witnessed a smoking ceremony prior to the yarning, it was the first opportunity that I have had to walk through and wash the smoke over myself – to feel fully engaged within the ceremony,’ Peta said.
Peta has since incorporated what she learned into her kindergarten program, teaching the children Boonwurrung words as part of their Acknowledgement of Country.
She has also shared her learnings with her team to help them develop their knowledge and understanding.
Peta encourages other educators to get involved in the yarning networks.
‘Yarning is a safe space — we are reminded that there are no silly questions, all questions lead to learning,’ she said.
Sharing knowledge
Elsewhere in Term 1, the City of Greater Dandenong yarning network saw a fantastic turnout. The host service, Dandenong North Kindergarten, shared how they incorporate culture into their kindergarten program. Best Start facilitator Mikayla George gave an engaging presentation about Aboriginal seasons Iuk and Warinj.
In Cardinia Shire, the yarning circle was led by the team from the Victoria Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited. They delivered an interactive learning experience called Camp Fire Conversations. The session encouraged educators to reflect on the way they embed Indigenous perspectives into their practice and equipped them with insights and strategies to strengthen their capabilities as educators in the First Nations space.
Find out more
To find out about events happening in your area, contact your local Early Childhood Improvement Branch.
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