"Art, Storytelling and Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives" November 2025 Cairns

Join us for a transformative and enriching 4.5-hour workshop at Rydges in Cairns that demonstrates ways educators can incorporate Aboriginal culture into their programs through the powerful elements of art and storytelling.

This event is a unique two-in-one workshop that seamlessly blends practical application with theoretical understanding.

Led by the esteemed Jessica Staines, Director of the Koori Curriculum, this course will provide you with practical tools and insights into authentically integrating Aboriginal culture into your teaching methodologies.

Workshop Highlights:

• Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives: In your early childhood curriculum, learn to foreground Aboriginal perspectives. Gain practical strategies to reflect cultural inclusion and respect for Aboriginal knowledge while aligning with children's interests and inquiries.

• Exploring Aboriginal Art: Delve into the rich tapestry of Aboriginal art, moving beyond clichés to appreciate its depth and significance. Jessica will guide you through innovative approaches to incorporate authentic and meaningful art experiences into your classroom, ensuring respect for Indigenous practices and ideas.

• Storytelling Techniques: Explore the art of pedagogical storytelling, gain insights into curating a First Nations library, critically reflect on the inclusion of yarning circles and Dreaming Stories, and discover strategies for engaging children in bookish play that embraces Aboriginal narratives.

• Interactive Learning: The workshop will feature hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, allowing you to connect with fellow educators and share experiences. You'll leave with a wealth of resources and strategies to enhance your curriculum and foster a culturally inclusive environment. 

• Date: 14th Nov 2025
• Registration: 9:30 AM
• Session one: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Lunch: 12:00 PM TO 12.30 PM
• Session two: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
• Afternoon tea break: 2:00 PM to 2:15 PM
• Session three: 2:15 PM to 3:30 PM
• Location: Rydges Esplanade Resort, 209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns QLD 4870
• Facilitator: Jessica Staines, Koori Curriculum Director

Ticket price: $289.00 inc GST and Booking Fee

Schedule:

Session One: Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives 

Discuss the "why" and lay a foundation that illustrates the many ways culture can be included in early childhood environments and curricula.

Lunch:

Enjoy a break and network with fellow participants.

Session Two: Art and Storytelling as Pedagogical Tools  

Focus specifically on how art and storytelling can be used practically and pedagogically to privilege culture in your teaching.   

This workshop is a powerful combination of practice and theory, designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your ability to incorporate Aboriginal perspectives into your teaching.

The workshop will run for 4.5 hours, including a half-hour lunch break, providing ample time for both learning and networking.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey towards cultural inclusivity or looking for fresh inspiration to enrich your teaching practice, this workshop is designed for educators at all stages. Come and expand your understanding of Aboriginal perspectives while connecting with like-minded professionals dedicated to creating a richer, more inclusive learning environment for all children.

Secure Your Spot Today! 

Join us for this unique opportunity to enhance your educational practice and support the celebration of Aboriginal culture in early childhood education at the Mercure Canberra. 

Ticket price: $289.00 inc GST and Booking Fee

 

Educators Feedback:

“It was an amazing workshop. The biggest thing that stood out to me was integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources that were authentic to the community and naturally included within experiences, rather than having implementation be a “theme” e.g. NAIDOC week etc. I also loved the comment about anaphylaxis question on an intake form with a clear picture of next steps, whereas ticking a box off for background and culture didn’t have clear explanation as to why info was being gathered.” - Elizabeth Saa

“Honestly there were so many valuable ideas shared by Jessica that I'm very keen to implement in my service. I'm going to look back over my notes with my team to see how we can implement some of these ideas.” - Lamisse Kazzi

“I really appreciate having been given a resource audit as this is something that is easy to implement and helpful to identify gaps within children’s spaces. I also really liked insight into how to program culturally and appropriately for children in an individual way, as well as an achievable way. All of the suggestions are something that can be easily implemented in a big service that I’m in, with ease and no feelings of overwhelming. Which means a great outcome for the children, families and educators in the service. Thank you!” - Emily Claringbold

“I liked the formats used that can be implemented for any families from any backgrounds. Also the planning wall format. I enjoyed the fact that even though the training was geared towards the Aboriginal culture i was thinking that the ideas and meaning behind many aspects can be used for all within the service. I also am now following Koori Curriculum on social media so I can keep myself updated and informed. Thank You” - Linda Triplett

“Definitely going to use the strategies to learn more to develop my confidence in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander teachings in the learning environment and culture authentically. I also learned how and when to ask questions and to be sure to do it respectfully and be mindful that everyone is an individual person.” - Claudia The

“Thank you, for the great presentation Jessica! Takeaways include: the Cultural Learning Plan: the session on connecting to community: great suggestions in the resources audit.” - Meli Astri