Us Through Arts

This strategy aims to increase the engagement and support of Aboriginal children and families by developing culturally relevant early childhood resources and activities.   

In partnership with Barnardos, Allira Child Care Centre (Dubbo), Bubblegum Inc. (Narromine) and Wellington Council, Communities for Children has facilitated the creation of early childhood resources and products suitable for Aboriginal families, with direct input from Aboriginal families, now used by early childhood and health services locally and even nationally.

Resources, products and activities completed (and some in progress) in various locations include:

• t-shirts with early childhood messages
• books on pre & post natal care, play and transition to school (the first to be launched in Dec 2008)
• a set of six Lov’n Our Kids posters with parenting messages
• a Bringing Out the Best in Your Baby Developmental Calendar containing useful information about each of the stages in the first 12 months of a baby’s life
• a music CD and songbook (to be launched in January 2009)
• a DVD It Started with a Kiss, in which young Mums talk about birth, pre and post natal care
• a series of four posters and an information booklet All About our Little Boori’s with information on rashes, crying, breast and bottle feeding, and starting on solids.
• a height chart and booklet talking about the different play experiences kids need between ages 0-5 (to be launched in January 2009)
• ‘belly casting’ when in the final trimester of pregnancy, baby hand and feet casting in conjunction with local health services and helping to enhance the bond between mothers and their babies.

The Communities for Children Centacare Aboriginal Community worker provides support to the groups and also ensures appropriate consultation with the wider Aboriginal community through the Dubbo Aboriginal Advisory Group.

“I’ve never been game enough to attend a playgroup or mothers’ group. I was scared of being judged but I still came here today to try it out. I had no plans to come back again but I really enjoyed it. I couldn’t believe how many Koori mums went to this mothers group and that made me feel better coz you can have a yarn with them and they know what you’re talking about. I feel really good after today and look forward to coming back. The early childhood coordinator is so nice and she’s really down to earth and understands you. You think people like that don’t really want to know about you” A Dubbo Mum.