Reconciliation &
Cultural Respect
Jenny's ELC operates on the unceded lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Wadawurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Djab wurrung peoples. We pay our deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture and community.
"Jenny’s Early Learning Centre is proud to call Australia home. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we learn, play and grow, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We honour the cultures and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and celebrate the many stories, traditions and people that make Australia the country we are proud to share."
Our reconciliation commitments.
Reconciliation is not a moment — it is a continuous journey. These are the principles that guide our approach across every centre, every day.
Relationships
We are committed to building genuine, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and educators. We actively seek to understand the histories, cultures and aspirations of the communities in which we operate.
Respect
We respect the deep spiritual, cultural and historical connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country. We embed this respect into our daily practices, our environments, and our curriculum.
Opportunities
We are committed to creating meaningful employment and professional development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to ensuring our services are culturally safe and welcoming for all families.
Country-Connected Learning
Our nature-based curriculum is deeply informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being. We teach children to care for Country, to observe the natural world with curiosity, and to understand that we are all connected to the land.
Working towards a formal RAP.
Jenny's ELC is currently developing a formal Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) in partnership with Reconciliation Australia. Our RAP will formalise the commitments we already live by and set measurable goals for deepening our reconciliation journey.
We are engaging with local Aboriginal community organisations and Elders to ensure our RAP is meaningful, community-led and genuinely reflective of the needs and aspirations of the peoples whose Country we operate on.
Our RAP commitments include
- Engaging Elders and community members as cultural advisors
- Providing cultural competency training for all staff
- Increasing employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators
- Embedding local language and cultural knowledge in our curriculum
- Celebrating key dates including NAIDOC Week and Sorry Day
- Reviewing our policies through a cultural safety lens
How we live our values.
Acknowledgement of Country
We open every significant gathering — including parent information evenings, staff meetings and community events — with a formal Acknowledgement of Country.
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
Each year we celebrate NAIDOC Week across all our centres with dedicated activities, storytelling, art and community connections that honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Cultural Curriculum Integration
Our educators weave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout the curriculum year-round — not just during designated weeks — including local language words, seasonal knowledge, and stories from Country.
Indigenous Language Learning
In our Bendigo centres, we incorporate words and concepts from the Dja Dja Wurrung language into our daily routines, supporting children to develop an early appreciation for the oldest living cultures on Earth.
Yarning Circles
We use yarning circles as a regular pedagogical practice, drawing on this traditional Aboriginal method of communication to build community, share stories and resolve conflict respectfully.
Bush Tucker Gardens
Several of our centres maintain bush tucker gardens featuring native plants significant to local Aboriginal communities, connecting children to Country through hands-on growing and tasting experiences.
Walk with us on this journey.
We welcome feedback, questions and connections from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, families and Elders. If you would like to discuss our reconciliation approach or explore a partnership, please reach out.
Get in touch