Cultural Learning in Action: NAIDOC Week 2025 at Imagine Childcare

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It’s also an opportunity to educate future generations about the importance of cultural respect and reconciliation. At Imagine Childcare, NAIDOC Week holds special significance as we strive to embed cultural understanding into our programs and daily practices.

This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy”, inspired meaningful experiences across our centres that honoured traditions, promoted learning, and connected children to the stories and practices of First Nations people.

Connecting with Community

Our Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Blakeview leadership team, Centre Director Nicole and Assistant Director Tiffany, attended the NAIDOC in the North event held at the Adelaide JMC centre. This was a fantastic opportunity for the team to connect with the local community, learn from Elders, and explore services that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. These insights will help the team to continue building strong, culturally inclusive environments for our children and families.

Tactile Art Experiences

At Imagine Childcare and Preschool Blueridge Park, our Nursery children engaged in a sensory art experience by painting their very own boomerangs. The texture of the cardboard combined with the vibrant paints provided a rich sensory experience, helping little learners explore Indigenous symbols, colours, and artistic traditions in a hands-on, age-appropriate way.

Cooking with Culture

Cooking classes took on a special twist at Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Cranbourne and Imagine Childcare and Preschool Nowra, where children made damper! This activity sparked conversations about traditional bush tucker and cultural heritage, combining fun cooking experiences with a deeper appreciation for First Nations traditions.

Dreamtime Storytelling

At Imagine Childcare and Preschool Orange, creativity flourished as children worked together to interpret the Dreamtime story “When the Snake Bites the Sun.” Using sustainable and natural materials found around the centre, the children explored storytelling through art, building their understanding of Aboriginal culture and the importance of nature in Dreamtime tales.

Nature & Culture Play

At Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Southport, the children engaged in a cultural playdough activity that incorporated Indigenous markings and natural materials. This hands-on experience allowed children to connect with cultural symbols and textures while exploring creativity through sensory play.

We are proud to create an environment that encourages and nurtures the next generation to be culturally aware, respectful, and inclusive. Celebrating NAIDOC Week is one of the many ways we strengthen these values in our programs and ensure children grow up with an appreciation for the rich history and ongoing contributions of First Nations peoples.

At Imagine Childcare, cultural learning is embedded into everyday practice, not just during NAIDOC Week. We believe that education plays a powerful role in reconciliation and building a brighter, more inclusive future.

Find out more about our approach to early childhood education and book a tour at your nearest centre here.

Stay up to date with our centres to see how they celebrate and acknowledge Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout the year,

Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Smithfield and Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Melton are opening soon. Follow them on Facebook to receive regular updates on their progress.