Episode 16: Shifting Mindsets Around Early Education and Care in Australia

Episode Description

“I’m not sure sustained, meaningful change is possible, without addressing and thinking about mindsets” – Nat Kendall-Taylor, CEO FrameWorks Institute

In this episode of SNAICC Yarns, Executive Director of Communications, Mandy Taylor, yarns with Nat Kendall-Taylor, CEO of FrameWorks Institute, about how mindsets shape the way Australians understand early education and care, and why shifting these beliefs matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

The conversation looks at mindset work more broadly: how shared beliefs, assumptions and dominant narratives shape the way people understand an issue, what solutions they see as possible, and where they believe responsibility lies. Mandy and Nat discuss how language and strategic communications can build public understanding, strengthen support for policy reform and help avoid deficit-based or “othering” narratives that limit meaningful change.

The episode also previews emerging findings from FrameWorks and SNAICC’s mindsets work, including the importance of activating collective responsibility and developing practical tools for organisations working with children, families and communities. It reminds us that the way we communicate can be a powerful tool for change, leading to more effective advocacy, smarter reform and better outcomes for children.

Click the below link to read FrameWorks’ interim findings report, Listening to Mindsets: Cultural Mindsets of Early Childhood in Australia:
https://www.frameworksinstitute.org/resources/interim-findings-listening-to-mindsets-cultural-mindsets-of-early-childhood-in-australia/

For the latest report, Measuring Early Years Mindsets: Patterns of Thinking that Shape Australia’s Future, click here:
https://www.frameworksinstitute.org/resources/measuring-early-years-mindsets/

To learn more about FrameWorks’, click here:
https://www.frameworksinstitute.org/

Keep the conversation going—follow, subscribe, and share this podcast to help amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. Visit SNAICC’s website to learn more, access resources and find out how you can get involved.

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.