Re-Discover :: Creative Exploration

Re-Discover Creative Exploration

new ideas :: new methods :: new perspectives

This open flow day of inquiry, conversation and artistic method will ignite your own creative spark.

With this activated creativity your teaching practice, programme and interactions will be inspired.

Facilitated by skilled artists and practitioners, this day of professional development will support you to take the next step on your best practice education journey.

What to expect:

• hands on exploration of natural materials

• methods and tools for inquiry based learning

• practices to connect you with Country

• a nourishing day of food, connection and inspiration

Session topics:

• Country Immersion

  An immersive experience guided by Molly & Kerri, Country Immersion will help you to uncover your connections to Country through story, community, and self-reflection. 

  Molly and Kerri's practice is grounded in the continuation of ancestral knowledge. Guided by the teachings of the women in their lives they bring forward practices that have been practiced on Country for countless generations.

  Their practice is a reflection of their deep respect for Country, family, and the power of matriarchal knowledge. Through their practices, they nurture the cultural threads that continue to weave together the past, present, and future.

  Together they will be sharing Possum Skin Cloak stories, inviting you to come together to experience a multi-sensory journey inspired by the understandings of and connections to Country. 

  Within the session you will explore your own identity and your link to Country, self and caring for others, thereby deepening your understanding and your connection to Country and how it influences your sense and purpose. 

  Using a variety of art mediums, you will translate and capture the knowledge you uncover, knowledge which will support you to stay grounded and connected in your daily life and work. This immersive experience will support you to stay connected to what matters most to you, that which is deeply within you.

• A curious mind

  information to follow

• Learning in action

  information to follow

Presenter Information:

• Kerri Clarke is a Boon Wurrung, Wemba Wemba woman.

  Kerri was born on Latji Latji country, lived on Wonnarua County for over 12 years and now lives on her Country, the lands of the Boonwurrung people.

  An established Possum Skin Cloak maker, Kerri has created and exhibited many cloaks, alongside family members, across the southeast of Australia and internationally. 

  Having participated in the revival and making of cultural objects and items alongside her Aunty Maree Clarke for over 20 years, Kerri now passes this knowledge onto family members and the next generations.

  In addition, Kerri has assisted numerous organisations to develop strategies and programs to ensure quality service delivery which meets the needs of Aboriginal communities, family’s and children, through her long and established career in the Family and Community Services sector.

  Kerri’s passion is to continue to revive and share cultural knowledge, practices and stories using a range of mediums, and to share this with family, community’s and future generations. 

  Maintaining and establishing cultural connections for Aboriginal communities, families and children and young people is paramount throughout her work.

• Molly Mahoney is a Boonwurrung and Barkindji woman. 

  Molly was born on and raised on Latji Latji Country lived on Wonnarua Country for 18 years and now resides on the land of the Awabakal people.

  Molly descends from a longline of changemakers, activists, community leaders and artists. Since childhood, she has been involved in the revival and creation of cultural objects alongside her mother, Kerri Clarke, and her Aunty Maree Clarke.

  As a Possum Skin Cloak maker, Molly has contributed to the creation and exhibition of cloaks both across southeast Australia and internationally. She also works with a variety of traditional and contemporary mediums, including dance belts, river reed necklaces, and feather pieces. 

  Molly thoughtfully blends traditional techniques with contemporary materials and methods, creating works that honour the past while speaking to the present.

  In her role as an Early Childhood Educator Molly is passionate about sharing her knowledge with fellow educators and nurturing the next generations.

• Jenn Reed is passionate about play.

  Her motivation is rooted in 20 years experience in Childhood Education where she developed a deep appreciation for the impact of the environment on children's learning, behaviour and wellbeing.

  Jenn’s unique approach to landscape design incorporates a deep respect for the Indigenous condition of land. Her designs seek to restore biodiversity and natural function to each landscape whilst also creating immersive, rich environments where children are free to learn.

  Jenn's commitment to creative design and best practice education has seen Urban Discovery grow to be one of the most sought after landscape design firms in the educator sector.

  Jenn lives by the bay with her beautiful family. She acknowledges the Bunurong / Boonwurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which she lives, works and plays. She invites collaboration with all First Nations people in developing solutions for land and connection to Country.

• Anna Malin is an artist and primary school teacher who brings her boundless enthusiasm for creative education to the UD Collective.

  Anna has inspired learning in children across the primary school years, including 4 years in her role as classroom teacher and 8 years as Visual Art Teacher. Motivated to bring choice and autonomy to her students learning, Anna developed ‘Tinker Alley’; an outdoor loose parts play environment where children were able to experiment, create and problem solve.

  Anna honed her intuitive teaching lens within the Visual Arts learning environment and through Project Based and Conceptual Learning initiatives, she supported students to investigate and explore their own ideas, thereby enhancing their learning journey. Anna prioritises the importance of relationships with students and advocates for all children to be able to engage in creative, collaborative and limitless learning opportunities, where they can truely wonder and explore.

  Anna lives on Wurundjeri Country, nestled in a tree house with her partner, children, their loved pets & ever-growing collection of art and house plants. 
She is nourished by the beauty which surrounds her and finds inspiration in layered connection with other people. Her curiosity and warm hearted nature are captivating to children and adults alike.

• Hope Ryan has been immersed in the realm of Early Childhood for 25 years. She has worked with diverse families, communities and philosophies throughout her career and been inspired, above all else, by the children with whom she worked. Her journey has grown within her a deep respect for the life phase of Childhood and an urgency to protect it.

  As an educator, mother and systems thinker, Hope understands the potency of childhood. Her personal values prioritise play, nature connection and social capacity coaching as essential for all children. And many grown ups. Hope is passionate about guiding educators to reawaken their own inner knowing and to embolden them to advocate for children's rights to unhurried, unstructured play within the natural world.

  Hope brings a sense of humour and also an inquisitive depth to her work. She strives to develop systems, practices and thinking that are in the best interests of Earth, plant, animal and human.

  Hope was born and grown on the land of the BoonWurrung People, she now lives and plays on Gumbaynggirr Country, tucked in to the mossy folds of the deep valley. Her cup is filled with the sounds of her family laughing and the soil on her skin.

What you might discover:

• Connection: with your self, with the landscape, with others.

• Restoration: of your passions, your inspiration, your purpose

• Knowledge: through storytelling, experiential experiences, reflective practices

• Relationship: with the natural world, with other educators, with practitioners

Who can come;

• Anyone who works with children

What to bring;

• Layered clothing for warmth

• A journal or notebook

• a small mat to sit or lie on if the ground is damp

• a water bottle

• other items you require to feel comfortable for the day (eg; sun protection, insect repellant, a cushion or camp chair)

Come with a playful heart, a curious mind and a willingness to get a little grubby.

IMMERSION; the state of being deeply engaged or involved

As educators and practitioners working with children we must look far into the future.

What is necessary? What is essential? What can we do to ensure the best outcomes possible for children now and in the decades that will follow?

These are big questions with many answers. The Immersion PD invites you to engage with a series of experiences, conversations and practitioners in order to activate your own inner compass so that it may guide you in your work with children.

Nestled in the embrace of the tea tree forest, the sandy dunes and the company of others, we will gather together on Boonwurrung/Bunurong Country. Joined by Indigenous Knowledge Holders, artisans and practitioners, together we will explore a range of techniques, practices and questions which will prepare you to take the next steps forward on your journey.

Bring your whole self. Dive in.

Comments from 2025 participants:

What was your favourite experience or moment from today?

"I enjoyed all the day's events, and the key notes offerred opportunity for reflection. I left feeling confident as a professional to give things a go and feel good about what I am capable of. This is something I would like to impart with the children in my kindergarten."

"Having the freedom to join different sessions at any times, not having a rigid schedule to be followed. Having the speakers speak freely and engage on an emotional level."

"Everything from keynote speakers to open workshops including building connections with others."

"Feeling free to move between the fire and the arts and the yarns without fear of judgement or thinking I’m doing the wrong thing."

"All was very valuable. The reflections about Koori perspectives was great and the music with Kat was amazing. Jenn was very thought provoking."

"A great conference! It gave me a chance to stop, reflect and share the day with my team."