In this episode of Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle is on Gumbaynggirr Country on location at Kulai Preschool, where the community has gathered to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on 4 August.

Catherine sits down with Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman Aunty Julie Carey, who has been the Director of Kulai Preschool for over 30 years, and Gumbaynggirr man Clark Webb, CEO of Gumbaynggirr Giingana Freedom School, New South Wales' first bilingual Aboriginal language school.

Together they yarn about what Children's Day means to the Gumbaynggirr community, as well as why culturally safe education and language revival are essential to supporting children to thrive. They discuss Kulai Preschool's history and current impact, which has been a cornerstone of the Gumbaynggirr community since 1962. Clark describes the Freedom School's journey since its inception in 2022, as well as their shared vision of what lifelong culturally safe education looks like for the community.

The three also discuss the challenges and opportunities of embedding language, culture and listening into learning while navigating Western education benchmarks, and how both Kulai and the Freedom School adapt by letting the children guide the way. They share stories of community unity, intergenerational leadership and the incredible resilience of Aboriginal-led services in shaping confident, culturally proud young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Keep the conversation going—follow, subscribe, and share this podcast to help amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. Visit SNAICC’s website to learn more, access resources and find out how you can get involved.