Ensuring a smooth transition into early learning, the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative held its second Kinder Registration Day in early May, in partnership with the Department of Education and the City of Greater Geelong Council.
First Nations families with children starting kindergarten in 2026 visited the co-op’s Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub in Norlane, a purposefully selected culturally safe space that is familiar to the community. At the Kindergarten Registration Day, they were able to learn more about enrolling in kindergarten and programs available to families while being supported by First Nations education professionals.
Representatives from local kindergartens and day care centres with funded kindergarten programs, along with additional support and service providers, including the Meli Early Childhood Approach team, were on hand to provide information and answer any questions.
Commitment to community
The department’s Barwon Area Early Childhood Improvement Branch and Koorie Education Workforce have a strong relationship with Wathaurong, highlighting the collaborative effort to support First Nations families.
Marissa Rundle, kindergarten improvement advisor for the Barwon Early Childhood Branch, said the partnership with Wathaurong was a high priority.
‘The Wathaurong Early Years team created a welcoming and culturally safe space at their Kindergarten Registration Day, making it easier for families to engage and ask questions,’ she said.
‘Their leadership in sharing clear, supportive information about the upcoming Pre-Prep increased hours in 2026 is a testament to their deep commitment to community.
‘We value the work they do to help families feel informed, confident, and connected —and we deeply appreciate the strong partnership we share and the positive outcomes it supports for children.’
Creating supportive pathways
This early engagement through the Kindergarten Registration Day, held at the start of the enrolment period in early May, is a crucial first step in a broader program that also includes a Ready to Learn Day in Term 1 and a Graduation Day in Term 4, creating a supportive pathway into education for First Nations children and their families.
Wathaurong’s Wayipungitj (Koorie preschool advisor) Alicia Gregory emphasised the importance of the day.
‘It’s about supporting families and showing them what is available,’ she said.
‘Families who register to attend will get enough information to take home with them and work out where they want their child to go, and what programs will work for them, be it in sessional kindergarten or integrated within a long day care setting.’
Find out more
To learn more about Kindergarten and other early childhood education programs for First Nations children, visit the Early childhood education programs supporting Aboriginal children webpage.
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