Preschool children and their educators joined local families, organisations and community members on beautiful Worimi Country to celebrate NAIDOC Week through culture, connection and community spirit. Hosted by the Forster Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and Tobwabba Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), the event brought the community together to celebrate this year’s significant NAIDOC milestone, 50 Years of Deadly.
From the moment they arrived, the children were immersed in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. They watched captivating cultural dance performances, explored a variety of community stalls and enjoyed connecting with local partners, including CatholicCare.
Among the many highlights of the day were visits to the emergency services displays, where children learnt about the important role police and firefighters play in keeping communities safe. A trip to the petting zoo was another favourite, with plenty of excitement as children met and interacted with a range of friendly animals.
While the day was filled with fun and excitement, it also provided rich learning opportunities. Experiences like these give children authentic ways to connect with the world around them, engage with diverse cultures and develop a deeper understanding of their place within the broader community.
Fostering community connections
At St Nicholas Early Education, we are passionate about creating opportunities for children to build meaningful connections with their local community.
Attending events such as Tobwabba NAIDOC Community Day helps children see themselves as valued members of a wider network of people, places and cultures. By engaging with community organisations, local services and community members, children gain a greater understanding of how people work together to create safe, inclusive and welcoming environments.
These real-world experiences support children to develop confidence in social settings, learn how to respectfully engage with others and build a strong sense of belonging within their community.
Exploring cultures beyond our own
Developing an appreciation for diversity is an important part of early childhood education.
The Early Years Learning Framework recognises the importance of children developing respect for different cultures, strengthening their sense of belonging and understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing.
Through traditional dance, artwork, storytelling and meaningful interactions with community members, the children experienced culture in an authentic and engaging way. These experiences helped bring learning to life while providing opportunities to celebrate the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Importantly, children were encouraged to develop respect and appreciation for cultures beyond their own, helping them grow into compassionate, inclusive and culturally aware members of society.
Learning beyond the preschool room
Community excursions are a valuable part of the educational program at St Nicholas Early Education Forster because they extend learning beyond the familiar preschool environment.
Whether speaking with community members, observing cultural performances, exploring service displays or interacting with animals, children are encouraged to ask questions, make discoveries and build connections between their learning and the world around them.
These hands-on experiences foster curiosity, confidence and communication skills, while helping children become active participants in their communities. Learning is most powerful when children can see, hear, touch and experience it for themselves.
A place to belong
Events like the Tobwabba NAIDOC Community Day beautifully reflect what we value most at St Nicholas Early Education Forster: connection, belonging and community.
By nurturing strong community partnerships and providing meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom, we create opportunities for children to develop the confidence, curiosity and relationships that support lifelong learning.
At St Nicholas Early Education Forster, children don’t just learn about the world around them – they actively engage with it, discovering their place within a connected and vibrant community while building the foundations for a bright future.
