Episode 17: Shifting Mindsets Around Early Education and Care in Australia

Episode Description

In this episode of SNAICC Yarns, Miranda Edwards, SNAICC’s Acting Director of WA Early Years and National Workforce Manager, yarns with the CEO of Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, Tara Leslie, as well as the centre’s Cultural Lead, Charlie Ashby, about the vital role of culturally safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male role models in the lives of children and families. With Movember underway, they also explore men’s wellbeing and why looking after yourself is essential to caring for kids and community.

Tara and Charlie share their pathways into early years work and how Cullunghutti has grown from one male mentor to ten. They explain the Boori Milumba Model, a culturally grounded wraparound early years model co-developed with SNAICC, SVA and Parkville, where learning on Country and speaking the local Dharawal language are helping children become confident learners. They also speak candidly about what is at stake for children and families if NSW Early Years Support is no longer funded by the New South Wales Government.

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This artwork was created to visually represent Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, a podcast by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.

At the heart of the artwork is a central motif drawn directly from the SNAICC Marulu design – a symbolic anchor that represents SNAICC’s identity, purpose, and vision. This central element grounds the piece, reflecting SNAICC’s leadership in advocating for the rights, wellbeing, and futures of our children.

Surrounding this are three figures, symbolising a community in conversation. These figures represent not only the act of yarning, but the diversity of voices – children, families, Elders, leaders, and community members – who will be heard through the podcast. The figures are encircled by layered soundwaves that ripple outward and inward, capturing both the expression of voice and the act of deep listening.

These soundwaves reflect how stories, knowledge, and lived experiences are shared, received, and echoed across communities – from grassroots voices to national conversations. The design intentionally shows sound as both something that travels outward to inform and inspire, and something that returns inward to strengthen identity, connection, and culture.