Southern Rise Children’s Centre

Megan Hancock is the lead teacher at Southern Rise Children’s Centre. She creates inclusive learning spaces that celebrate culture and identity.

An increase in enrolments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children inspired Megan to join the NOWPlay Project. This program introduces play-based learning that builds oral language and literacy through culturally responsive experiences. She works closely with families, Elders and the Koorie Engagement Support Officer to deliver this program.

Megan believes all children can learn and makes sure programs celebrate who they are. Together they share stories and songs in local Aboriginal languages, explore traditional art and care for a bush tucker garden.
She leads the Koorie Champions Network Group and supports educators in Wodonga to build cultural knowledge and confidence.

Megan’s leadership has built strong relationships with Aboriginal families and improved children’s language, social and thinking skills. Her work is helping create early learning environments where every child feels valued and proud of who they are.

Home Road Kindergarten created an educational model that focuses on children’s relationships with themselves, others and the world. The model was created using regular reflection, targeted staff training and shared leadership.

The service uses the team’s strengths to create learning that includes everyone. Staff take part in training that helps them support children’s choices, learn about the history and experiences of First Nations people, and work with families to encourage positive behaviour.

The service runs ‘Kinder on Country’, which brings First Nations perspectives into all areas of their teaching. They also run outdoor programs in the bush and at the beach for the children. An educational leader is trained as a ‘Circle of Security’ facilitator. They help staff and families understand children’s feelings and needs, so children feel safe, loved and confident.

By focusing on relationships and reflection, Home Road Kindergarten creates welcoming learning environments where all children can thrive.

Harrietville Bush Kinder is a safe and welcoming place where all children can learn and grow. The kindergarten works closely with Dhudhuroa Elders to share Aboriginal culture and language. This helps children build respect for First Nations people and their history.

Children join in Dhudhuroa Language Days, where they learn new words and ideas through play, songs, and stories. Teachers use the ‘8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning’ framework to guide their teaching. They include cultural tools like possum skin journals and First Nations storybooks, making learning fun, meaningful, and connected to culture.

The service has strong partnerships with Elders, cultural organisations, and local Aboriginal wellbeing practitioners. These connections help Koorie children feel proud of their identity and support their wellbeing and learning.

Each year, staff, Elders, children, and community partners all help update the service’s Reconciliation Action Plan. This shows how everyone can work together to keep language and culture alive for all learners.

Shine Bright Elmore Kindergarten

Sandra Houlahan is the lead educator at Shine Bright Elmore Kindergarten. She is well known in the small town of Elmore for building strong ties with the local community.

Sandra turns local places and resources into fun and meaningful learning experiences. She started a nature-based program called River Kinder, where children explore the Campaspe River. This helps them become curious, resilient, and respectful of the environment. She also builds community connections by taking children to local landmarks, schools, and businesses.

Sandra works closely with nearby schools to help children move smoothly from kindergarten to school. She also worked with health professionals to create a literacy program that gives families simple ways to support their child’s language and reading skills at home.

With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, Sandra leads with care and teamwork. She continues to reflect on her work to run programs that support both children and the wider community.

In partnership with Mooroopna Children and Families Centre, Our Place and Greater Shepparton Foundation.

The Mooroopna oral language initiative is a partnership between Mooroopna Primary School, the Mooroopna Children and Families Centre, Our Place, and allied health providers.

It was created because many families in Mooroopna face social and financial challenges, and children often need extra support with speech and language. The program helps children get help early and helps them to be ready for school.

Research shows that early checks and support for language skills have long-term benefits. The program gives a 2-year window for children to get extra help before starting school. Language development is built into daily teaching, not treated as a separate support. Educators also get regular ongoing help from the on-site speech pathologist.

The whole community is involved. Families, teachers, and health workers design and run activities together, including weekly story time sessions. By working as a team, the program helps children build strong language skills and succeed at school.