We were honoured to have Tash, our Early Years Project Officer, serve as a judge for the Aboriginal Early Childhood Award at the inaugural Flying Start Early Childhood Awards, held on 14 October 2026. The award recognises services that embed Aboriginal Culture, identity and Community in everyday practice, with Community knowledge shaping learning environments and decisions.
Congratulations to this year’s winner, Crystal Brook Kindergarten (Nukunu Country), for showing what this looks like in practice.
Congratulations also to all finalists and nominees. You are an inspiration đź‘Ź
Backing the Aboriginal workforce
Aboriginal children flourish when the people caring for and teaching them understand their Culture, their families and their Communities. The services recognised at the awards show what that looks like every day, and SAAETCC is proud to champion South Australia’s Aboriginal early childhood workforce. We are also proud to partner with the Office for Early Childhood Development (OECD) to keep Aboriginal children at the centre of early childhood reform.
A stronger voice at the table
On 1 July 2026, SAAETCC took on the Aboriginal community-controlled peak representation in the Aboriginal Co-design Governance Group, which supports the OECD’s Aboriginal Early Childhood Strategy. The group has majority Aboriginal membership, including Aboriginal-led peak bodies, early childhood services and Community Elders. Its purpose is to ensure Aboriginal voices, Cultural authority and lived experience shape the initiatives that affect Aboriginal children, families and Communities.
Looking ahead
A valued, supported and growing Aboriginal early childhood workforce means stronger outcomes for Aboriginal children now and into the future. SAAETCC looks forward to continuing this work with the OECD and with Communities across South Australia.