Parkes Early Childhood Centre

Parkes Early Childhood Centre has been teaching Wiradjuri language and culture to children for a number of years now and has expanded the program by employing an Aboriginal Liaison Educator.

Kelly Charlton has been appointed to the position on a part-time basis until the end of the year.

The position has been funded by the NSW Government as part of its Indigenous Advancement Strategy Project Plan.

PECC Educational Leader Colette Genet-Marks said the aim is to maximise the enrolment of Aboriginal children in NSW preschools.

“The project plan supports Aboriginal families in giving their children a good start in life through improved early childhood development, care, education and school readiness,” Colette said.

“We are delighted to have Kelly join our team.

“She will continue to support PECC in welcoming Aboriginal families to our Centre and assist our teachers and educators to incorporate authentic Wiradjuri culture into the children’s program.”

Since starting at PECC, Kelly has been busy providing a number of activities for the children to enjoy including creating Wiradjuri language counting cards and sharing Aboriginal Dreamtime stories.

She has also researched local Aboriginal artists to participate in PECC’s 2016 NAIDOC celebrations through the creation of a piece of Wiradjuri inspired artwork with the children.

Kelly also arranged a visit to the centre by Mr Larry Brandy who shared his knowledge of the Wiradjuri culture.

In an engaging presentation that included many Aboriginal artifacts, Larry provided a variety of information to the children and teachers.

Larry explained that he was passionate about his Wiradjuri culture and enjoyed encouraging participants to join him in demonstrating how Wiradjuri people used to hunt and find food.

Children were thrilled to not only handle the artifacts but participate by putting on some animal masks during Larry’s fun session with them.

As a follow-up to his visit, Kelly is now planning to make cardboard roll ‘Emu Callers’ for the children to enjoy which are from Larry’s booklet, Yalbillinga (to learn).

Kelly works at PECC on Wednesday and Friday’s.

“If you would like to come to PECC to have a look around and meet Kelly, either call in on one of those days or ring 6862 3500 to make an appointment,” Colette said.