In late March 2026, more than 50 participants from funded early childhood services across the Bayside Peninsula Area attended a 'Continuum of Self-determination in early childhood' session.
The Koorie Education Workforce (KEW) and Early Childhood Improvement Branch (ECIB) developed and co-facilitated the session. It gave services the chance to reflect on their practice and how they can strengthen Aboriginal self-determination in their kindergarten program.
Using the themes from the Strengthening Aboriginal Self-Determination Education campfire conversations, participants explored what Aboriginal self-determination is and why it is important.
The session introduced participants to the concept of a continuum towards Aboriginal self-determination. They explored where their service was on the continuum and how they can move to the next level. Participants learned about the barriers they may need to overcome.
Influencing positive change through collaboration
Guest speaker Kylie Bell, Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group chair, highlighted how strong partnerships between services, families and community can better support Aboriginal children and improve outcomes.
Kylie shared how local advisory groups and regional collaboration help to elevate community voices and inform planning. She also outlined how they influence change across early childhood and education systems.
She emphasised the importance of connecting with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations and culture. She said this can create a more inclusive, respectful, and culturally responsive environment.
Building knowledge and confidence
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. After the session, 77% of services rated their Aboriginal self-determination knowledge as good or great. That was a big improvement compared with just 14% before the session.
Most services placed themselves at the 'Inform', 'Consult' or 'Collaborate' levels on the continuum. One attendee commented: ‘we were afraid and we are not afraid anymore’ in relation to creating a culturally safe environment.
Looking ahead
Throughout 2026, the KEW and ECIB are delivering the Koorie Engagement and Participation in Early Years (KEPEY) professional development program.
KEPEY aims to strengthen funded kindergarten teacher and educator knowledge and confidence in creating culturally safe environments. They will also learn how to provide an inclusive curriculum for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
The KEW and ECIB will continue to run termly yarning circles. These are a chance for early childhood staff to come together for a yarn.
Share your team’s stories
If you have a story that you’d like to share about your team or an early childhood professional at your service, please let us know. We would love to talk to them about what drives them in their work and explore the impact they have. You can contact the department’s communications team by email: ec.portfolio.communications@education.vic.gov.au
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