At ACA Qld, NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect, celebrate and reaffirm our commitment to working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Across our recent events and ongoing work, we’ve been privileged to learn from and walk alongside First Nations educators, artists, and leaders — whose voices continue to shape and strengthen the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.
Voices From Mount Isa to Yugambeh Land
At our most recent conference, we were deeply moved by a special interview with Lee and Nat, who travelled all the way from Mount Isa to be part of the event. Earlier in the conference, Lee gifted ACA Qld President Majella Fitzsimmons and Vice President Jae Fraser with powerful artworks that reflect her Indigenous heritage. In their interview, Lee and Nat spoke about what it meant to connect with others in the sector, share their community’s perspective, and represent their region on a statewide stage. Their journey — both literal and cultural — reminds us of the importance of inclusion, respect, and storytelling in ECEC.
Honouring Culture Through Art
We were also honoured to receive a stunning painting from Shanyce Blackman, a proud Wakka Wakka and Butchulla Fraser Island woman. Titled Family – Connections – One Mob, the artwork represents the interconnectedness of children, Elders, land, and community. It now holds a special place at ACA Qld headquarters — a visual reminder of the value of listening, sharing, and walking together with First Nations peoples.
Each symbol and stroke within the piece speaks to identity, culture, and continuity — foundations upon which we strive to build a sector where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.
Welcoming Country Through Dance and Song
Another powerful moment from the conference was the Welcome to Country performed by the Yugambeh Dancers. Before their moving performance, ACA Qld Vice President Jae stood with Martin from the group to reflect on the significance of the Welcome and its message of unity. The dance and song reminded all present of the depth, strength, and resilience of the world’s oldest continuing cultures.
A Shared Commitment
These moments are not only symbolic — they are tied to our ongoing commitment to meaningful cultural inclusion in early childhood. As a signatory to Queensland’s Statement of Shared Commitment, ACA Qld upholds the guiding principles of partnership, cultural integrity, and continuous learning.
The Statement of Shared Commitment recognises the collective responsibility we share as a sector to promote a culturally safe and responsive environment for all children. It outlines a path forward grounded in listening to community, recognising First Nations knowledge, and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across policy, practice and pedagogy.
Read more: Statement of Shared Commitment – Queensland Government
Get Involved This NAIDOC Week | 6-13 July 2025
Is your service planning something special to mark NAIDOC Week? Whether through storytelling, art, dance, or yarning with community Elders, it’s a valuable opportunity to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and voices.
To explore events in your area, visit: www.naidoc.org.au
This week — and every week — we honour Elders past and present, and thank our First Nations community for their invaluable contributions to early childhood education and care.