Preschoolers gather on Wonnarua Country to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

Around 780 young children, along with their families and early childhood educators, gathered on Wonnarua Country in Maitland to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with a morning of Culture, music, storytelling and play.

Hosted by the NSW Department of Education at Maitland Basketball Stadium as part of Public Education Week celebrations, the event brought together children aged from one to five to recognise a day dedicated to honouring the voices, stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

Held annually on 4 August, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate children, Culture and Community while also recognising the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

One of the day's major attractions was Emma Memma, the interactive musical show led by former Wiggle Emma Watkins.

Children and families were encouraged to sing, dance and communicate using Auslan throughout the performance, with Ms Watkins describing the atmosphere as joyful and welcoming.

For Ms Watkins, providing different ways for children to participate is an important part of creating an inclusive experience.

"I love creating an environment where there isn’t one correct way to participate," she said.

"Children can sing, move, sign, watch, or join in when they feel ready."

Ms Watkins said seeing children develop confidence and communicate in their own way was one of the most rewarding aspects of performing as Emma Memma.

Popular songs including Crocodile Snap and Three Little Monkeys encouraged children to participate through movement, signing and song.

Alongside Emma Memma, children participated in a range of experiences throughout the morning.

The event included the Jollybops science show, performances and activities from Elvin Melvin, a local Aboriginal cultural performer, Aboriginal dance and storytelling, face painting and a petting zoo.

NSW Department of Education Early Childhood Outcomes Manager Luke Kendall said around 780 children aged from one to five attended with their parents and early childhood educators.

While describing the event as "a lot of fun", Mr Kendall also reflected on the deeper significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.

"It’s a sombre day remembering the Stolen Generation, and it’s also a day to celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal people and all the positive opportunities for these young children today," he said.

Mr Kendall highlighted the relationship between Culture, identity, connection and children's educational outcomes.

"It is so important that we celebrate Aboriginal culture because evidence shows that Aboriginal children have better educational outcomes when their culture is celebrated, they have a strong sense of identity, and they feel connected to their community."

For the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, the celebration provides an opportunity to reflect on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture, perspectives and connections are represented within children's everyday early learning experiences.

Meaningful cultural inclusion extends beyond acknowledging significant dates.

For services, it can involve developing genuine relationships with local Aboriginal Communities, understanding the Country on which children learn and play, listening to local voices and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives to be meaningfully reflected within educational programs and environments.

It also means recognising the importance of Culture, identity and belonging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children themselves.

Deputy Secretary Early Childhood Outcomes Mark Barraket said there was much to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives.

"We have so much to learn from the voices, stories and knowledge of the oldest continuous living culture on Earth and support and celebrate this contribution today and every day," Mr Barraket said.

The NSW Department of Education has also reinforced the importance of access to high-quality early childhood education alongside opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to maintain strong cultural connections.

"Our vision is to ensure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can access high-quality early learning and are supported to embrace their culture for a strong start to lifelong learning," Mr Barraket said.

That message is particularly relevant during the early years, when children's understanding of identity, belonging, relationships and the communities around them is developing.

For early childhood services, celebrations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day can provide an important opportunity to engage children with Culture, stories and Community.

They can also prompt a broader question: how are those connections reflected in children's experiences throughout the rest of the year?

The Maitland gathering brought hundreds of children, families and educators together for a celebration grounded in participation, connection and learning.

From Aboriginal dance and storytelling to music, Auslan and interactive experiences, children were provided with different ways to participate while learning and celebrating together.

For the ECEC sector, the event reinforces a message that extends well beyond 4 August — supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to develop strong connections to Culture, identity and Community is an important part of ensuring they have a strong start to lifelong learning.

Read the original NSW Department of Education article, Preschoolers celebrate Aboriginal Children's Day here.