Reconciliation

From Gubbi Gubbi lands on the east coast of Australia, across to Wajuk in Western Australia, up to Larrakia in the Northern Territory and everywhere in between, at Goodstart Early Learning we’re on a reconciliation journey. We’re walking together with our families, children, and communities. 
 
We take very seriously our responsibility to ensure the next generation of Australians grows up with connection to and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, people, and our true history. Through our unique opportunity to engage with 67,670 children in our centres, we believe we can meet that responsibility and make a difference in the lives of all children.

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and as the custodians of the land on which we live. This respect is woven and embedded into everything we do. We’re focused on building connections, celebrating Indigenous culture and providing an early learning environment where all children feel welcome.
 
Our purpose is for every child to have the best possible start in life. We have a unique opportunity to influence and educate current and future generations of Australians and embed a respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories, combating racism by providing a different dialogue through a shared understanding of Australia’s past and present.

Reconciliation Action Plan

In 2024, our third stretch RAP was developed and endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

The Heart of Reconciliation artwork was commissioned to celebrate Goodstart's Stretch Reconciliation Plan 2024-2027.

The Heart of Reconciliation

At Goodstart, children are at our heart; the centre of everything we do.

Their voices are stronger and prouder when stories and culture are shared.

When we walk our pathway together, we feel energised for the next chapter; to take our story forward.

Our commitment to reconciliation begins at our heart; and at the centre of the artwork is Harriet’s Heart, created by Goodstart alumnus and the artist’s daughter, Harriet Williams.

Harriet’s Heart represents every child within our care, as every child will find a welcoming heart at Goodstart.

Our vision and purpose are continuous throughout the artwork, as our push for reconciliation never ends.

Children’s hands represent creativity and joy, and the diversity of our people is something to celebrate; our flags fly proudly for everyone to see.

Reconciliation is everyone’s business. That’s why we will be driven to make our centres more welcoming places for all children and families, and all of our Goodstarters.

We will bring joy and unite people by ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are a part of our everyday life.

And we are inspired to be bolder and a guiding influence each and every day.

As we look to the future together, we will grow with our children and communities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture proudly in our hearts.

The Heart of Reconciliation

Artwork symbolism 

Our vision is for Australia's children to have the best possible start to life
Our purpose is to ensure children have the learning, development and wellbeing outcomes they need for school and life
Goodstart’s reconciliation symbol (heart of all children) Harriet ’s Heart represents every child within our care, as every child will find a welcoming heart at Goodstart.  In the artwork this symbol is connected out our guiding priincples
Children are central to everything we do
Guiding constellations of Torres Strait Culture and for navigation
Families are our primary partner
Being a valued member of each unique community As we look to the future together, we will grow with our children and communities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture proudly in our hearts.
Our people make the difference
Goodstart alumni hands. Children’s hands represent creativity and joy. The diversity of our people which is something to celebrate.

Reports 

In 2022, Goodstart embarked on a project to consider the question: How might we address disproportionate developmental vulnerability for remote children by codesigning sustainable, scalable, high-quality education and care offerings that advance education within Australia?

We are pleased to now share with you the following two reports relating to this work. 

• Remote Access Matters This report provides detailed insights gained through our research and codesign activities with two remote communities. We share what we learned with them about their histories, cultures, strengths, and unmet needs.
• Codesigning with remote communities in response to complex social challenges This report provides a detailed analysis and critical reflection of two different codesign approaches we employed to engage with two remote communities.