Thursday, 18 May 2023

Ministers statements: Djimbaya kindergarten

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, Minister for Environment) (12:07): Last Friday I had the privilege of officially opening the Djimbaya kindergarten in Bendigo with Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan MP and Speaker Maree Edwards MP, both passionate advocates for early childhood education in their communities.

Djimbaya is run by the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative (BDAC) and, from this year, provides 15 hours of kindergarten to both three- and four-year-olds. This kindergarten is a fantastic example of how integration works for the benefit of families. As well as being a place for little ones to start their education journey, this centre is also a place to come for child health and family services. Housing the kindergarten and the community services at one site fosters links to culturally safe health services for families and ensures that the local Aboriginal community can access the services they need when they need them.

The fantastic work of BDAC, the board and the CEO Dallas Widdicombe means this service is already supporting better outcomes for the community. The teachers and educators, led by centre director Emily Gerber, are doing amazing work every day, delivering a tailored play-based program that fosters cultural connection for Aboriginal children while also supporting non-Aboriginal children to learn about Aboriginal culture. The curriculum was developed with input from elders and the traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung, and incorporates lots of play within nature and with natural materials. Congratulations on the fantastic effort of everyone involved, and I look forward to seeing Djimbaya grow.