UWS Early Learning celebrates Aboriginal culture at the Kids Corroborree

Kids Corroborree

Thulli Dancers taught the children how to move like an emu at the UWS Early Learning Kids Corroborree

UWS Early Learning Penrith ‘Djalaringi’ held its second annual Kids Corroborree recently – a cultural sharing experience for staff, parents, children, and Aboriginal community members.

“The Kids Corroborree is part of our overarching integration of Aboriginal Australian culture into our curriculum, and also serves as an opportunity for the Early Learning community to come together in a relaxed environment,” says Tessa McGavock, Director of UWS Early Learning Penrith ‘Djalaringi’.

“The Centre has done a lot of journeying with the children about culture this year, and aims to encourage cultural awareness and acceptance in the children.”

The evening began with Aunty Sandra, a community Elder, performing the Welcome to Country, and included a BBQ and performances from Jacinta Tobim, a local community Aunty, and the Thulli Dancers, an Aboriginal dance group from Western Sydney that has performed internationally. The Thulli dancers also took time to teach the children how to move like kangaroos and emus.

During the evening, the Centre dedicated their Bush Tucker Garden to the Dharug Elders. The Centre had consulted with the Dharug people during the construction of the Bush Tucker Garden to help choose the most appropriate plants.

Families who attended the evening were able to take home their own samples of bush tucker in giveaway bags that were provided by the Thulli group.

As well as families and staff, the evening was also attended by Dharug community Elders, and members of the UWS Early Learning Board. The evening was organised with the assistance of the UWS Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Engagement.

“It was a great cultural sharing experience for all who attended, and really saw the bringing together of cultures,” says Mrs McGavock.

Ends

27 November 2012

Words: Hannah Guilfoyle

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