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.

In this bonus episode of Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, we’re on Gumbaynggirr Country at Kulai Preschool to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. We're joined by Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung man Otis Hope Carey, acclaimed artist, former pro surfer, proud father of three, and this year’s Children’s Day Ambassador.

Otis reflects on what it means to return to Kulai Preschool, where his early learning began and where his mum, Aunty Julie Carey, has led as Director for nearly three decades. In this yarn, he speaks about the deep personal and cultural ties that have shaped his identity, from early memories of gagaal, to parenting and instilling culture in his children, and telling stories through his distinct, expressive art.

Tune in to hear Otis share what this year’s Children's Day theme, Little Footsteps, Big Futures, means to him, and why culture and creativity are at the heart of helping children grow strong in their identity.

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.

In this episode of Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, proud Bunuba, Gija, Karajarri, Yawuru and Miriwoong woman Tovani Cox, Graphic Artist at SNAICC, joins host Michael Lynch on Wurundjeri Country in Narrm for a yarn about creating art and design for children, families and communities, and how art has a part to play in healing and therapy.

Tovani reflects on growing up on Yawuru Country in Broome and the Kimberley, where Country, colour and family shaped who she is today and her art; growing up in a family of artists with their sketchbooks that doubled as storybooks. Now a digital artist and graphic designer at SNAICC, living and working on Wurundjeri Country, she shares how she brings her life, culture and wellbeing into the storytelling of the pieces that go on to shape the visual identity of national plans, strategies and initiatives.

Michael and Tovani discuss how creativity is a strength, not a sidenote, and speak about healing through art, with Tovani explaining how she lets her liyan (spirit) guide her work, and how the support of family and mob keeps her grounded and inspired. They also reflect on the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, on 4 August, as we honour the journeys our children take as they grow, each step guided by culture, community and connection to Country.

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.