STRONG IN CULTURE, STRONGER TOGETHER!

For more than 50 years, Wandarrah Pre-school (Wandarrah) in Inala, Queensland has been a source of learning and enrichment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jarjum (children).

It has ensured that every child receives a well-rounded education that honours who they are and enables them to thrive in a safe, culturally affirming space.

The pre-school offers Indigenous culture and language as part of its curriculum and embraces the individual cultures of all the children.

Wandarrah has an aspiration to sustainably strengthen its early years learning education offering.

Through the generosity of our supporters, we were able to partner with Wandarrah towards creating a lasting impact in the lives of young learners.

Its Board and General Manager, Kerri, reached out to our team for support to develop a strategic plan that will guide them on this journey.

Senior Community Development Officer, Eddie, took the time to yarn with Kerri and the Board and understand what they want to achieve. He then connected them with skilled volunteer, Russell, who has expertise in strategic planning.

Over several months, Eddie and Russell worked with Wandarrah to scope and progress their project.

Our team facilitated conversations on fundraising, governance, planning, and risk management, as well as identifying opportunities for future philanthropic support.

Working together, we finalised the strategic plan that outlines Wandarrah’s goals for the next five years and a detailed action plan for the Board to implement.

The plan will pave the path towards Wandarrah’s dream to operate from a purpose-built early childhood education and training hub with specialist staff, and state-of-the-art technology.

The hub will support a strengthened cultural program, incorporating input from Elders.

It will be a space where Wandarrah’s jarjum feel safe and are encouraged to grow and explore in a warm, nurturing environment, while learning important values and social skills through play.

By integrating Indigenous practices, stories, and languages into their education, Wandarrah is fostering a strong sense of identity and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children early on.

This cultural enrichment is also supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous children to become confident individuals who value diversity, establishing a strong basis for their future learning and interactions.

When you donate to Community First Development, you are backing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.

Will you give a special gift to support communities and organisations like Wandarrah to create vibrant learning spaces that celebrate Indigenous culture and prepare our children for a brighter future?

Your gift today will mean First Nations’ communities can access the support and expertise to realise their dreams and create the change they wish to see.