Nillumbik Early Learning Services' Community of Practice
Reconciliation Victoria shared a Narragunnawali presentation and workshop on 'Building Relationships with Community'. We connected, celebrated what the services had achieved so far and shared the challenges and aspirations of each service.
It was fantastic to tailor the presentation and workshop with the assistance of Sue Malone, the Best Start Facilitator from Nillumbik Shire, to meet the needs of the CoP educators after their previous workshops with VAEAI and Reconciliation Australia.
We have invited Sue to share and celebrate the great work they have been doing below:
Nillumbik Reconciliation and Cultural Connection Sessions
The Reconciliation and Cultural Connection Sessions were created to inspire bold action, deepen understanding, and build lasting momentum for Early Years Services across Nillumbik as they begin or strengthen their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs). At their heart, these sessions aimed to foster genuine, respectful cultural connections with First Nations peoples and communities — not as a checkbox, but as a meaningful, ongoing commitment.
More than just professional learning, these gatherings were an invitation to walk together on a shared journey. With the wisdom of Elders, the voices of guest speakers, and the energy of passionate educators, each session became a space of reflection, learning and community. Together, we built a strong and supportive Community of Practice, rooted in reconciliation and driven by collective purpose.
Our final session for 2025, held in September, was another powerful and hands-on opportunity to expand cultural knowledge and boost educator confidence. Across the sessions, we welcomed an average of 25 educators representing abroad cross-section of Nillumbik’s early childhood education and care settings— each one playing a role in shaping a more inclusive and culturally responsive future.
To continue this important work beyond the sessions, we launched the Online Embedding Culture – Community of Practice. This vibrant digital spaceinvites all Early Years staff, committee members, and EYM representatives to share ideas, explore challenges, and support one another, all within a culturally safe and respectful environment.
We also developed a Reconciliation Action Plan Guide, created specifically forEarly Years Services in Nillumbik. This practical, user-friendly resource drawson Narragunnawali’s nationally recognised tools and supports services to confidently plan, review, and grow their RAPs with intention and integrity.
The journey doesn’t end here. Nillumbik Early Years Services are walking forward together — committed to deepening cultural understanding, building authentic relationships, and weaving reconciliation into the very fabric of every learning environment.
