Wandarrah Preschool and Community Centre celebrates 50-year anniversary

Wandarrah Preschool and Community Centre in Inala, Queensland opened in 1973, when First Nations families in the Inala community wanted a place to send their children where they would be educated and cared for in a way which safeguarded their culture. 

Since that time the service has become a source of pride and strength for the community, with the 50-year celebration being one which serves as a reward to those in the community who have been advocating for and contributing to the centre since its inception.

The anniversary celebrations drew a large crowd of current, past students, parents and grandparents, with four generations of preschool attendees present. Elders and community organisations, local and federal politicians also came to celebrate Wandarrah and its governing philosophy.

“The Wandarrah philosophy is to provide a safe space for First Nations children and all children, so they can learn the history of our people, by a culture-first approach to education,” explained Aunty Kerri Rodwell, General Manager of the centre. 

Like many people in the Inala community, Aunty Kerri’s children and grandchildren attended the centre. Aunty Kerri has been on the Wandarrah Committee, which directs the centre’s work and is made-up of current and past parents and Elders, for 25 years.

“The vision of those first Elders and those first parents are the same. We celebrated our Elders and the history of Wandarrah,” Aunty Kerri added.

The Elders who worked to establish and maintain the centre continue to guide the centre today.

“These Elders are on our committee still and they are so amazing, making sure we are doing the right thing, they give us our direction and our leadership, they support us to grow,” she said.

The anniversary celebrations were a time to express the deep appreciation to the Elders commitment to culture, education and for their hard work and guidance.

“Our programming incorporates all of the cultural knowledge and days of significance. The children will listen to the reading of the Sorry Day book, the teachers will have conversations about the story, what the children think and feel; linking into the national quality standards and early years learning frameworks,” Aunty Kerri shared.

“Our culture and history is embedded in our every day, we are very lucky that we can do that.”

Learn more about Wandarrah here.