bupup balak wayipungang initiative which means; Helping/Supporting Young Kids (formerly the Koorie Preschool Assistant Initiative) will be rolled out across the five Local Government Areas (LGA’s) within the Western Melbourne region.

These LGA’s include:

• Wyndham City Council,
• Hobsons Bay Council,
• City of Melbourne,
• Maribyrnong Council, and
• Moonee Valley Council.

The program will support all services within the Western Region municipalities that offer a funded kindergarten program.

bupup balak wayipungang flyer

Koorie Kids Shine Cultural Safety at Kinder video highlights the importance of acknowledging, including and celebrating Aboriginal culture to create a safe and accepting environment for Aboriginal children and their families.

Services should contact their regional Koorie Education Coordinator to discuss cultural safety at their kinder.

2023 VAEAI Back to School Information Pack

This new resource is equipped with Victorian organisations/agencies that can assist with getting ready for the new school year.

The listed organisations can help with:
– Uniforms.
– Booklists.
– School shoes.
– Learning devices.
– School camps and excursions.
– School tuition.
– Extra-curricular activities.

Please read the information pack to see which organisation/s best fit your needs.

Available on our website: vaeai.org.au/resources

VACSAL Aboriginal Best Start is proud to be part of the Darebin Best Start Aboriginal Reference Group, who have worked together to develop resources for mob, known as “Nugal Murrup Buladu” – “Belong, Spirit, Grow”.  These resources include links to culturally appropriate information, posters, cards & videos for Aboriginal families and carers of Aboriginal children

1.  Early Start Kindergarten

2.  Transition to School

3.  Supports for Children with Diverse Learning Needs

This video series provide key information through the lived experience of community members to support parents and carers to know who to reach out for support and guidance.

Check out the full list of Nugal Murrup Buladu – resources for families HERE.

Walking Together is an inclusion support & protocols resource for generalist early childhood care & education services.  It provides an introductory overview of Koorie people, communities, customs & protocols.  It is the culmination of insights from professionals working in Aboriginal education, and includes resources and suggestions for practice.

The Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated has developed Walking Together in partnership with the Victorian Inclusion Agency.

ACCESS WALKING TOGETHER RESOURCE HERE.

On 24 Nov. 2022, Reconciliation Victoria hosted an online webinar open to all educators wanting to incorporate First Nations teaching into their practice.

Reconciliation Victoria Co-Chair Uncle Shane Charles, and Education Officer, Jo Drummond, reflected on connection to Country from a First Nations perspective.  We heard ideas on connecting Country to the classroom through traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives.

VIEW THE WEBINAR RECORDING HERE.

Enjoy this collection of Indigenous programs for younger viewers that will educate and entertain the whole family. Click HERE and start watching with a free ABC Account

Navigating the early years system can be challenging, and families often report feeling overwhelmed with knowing which services are right for their children and when. This resource for professionals will help with understanding which early years services are available and when.

Accessing Early Years – Families