At Mother Duck, NAIDOC Week is far more than a moment; it is a profound, ongoing commitment to walk gently, respectfully, and honestly alongside the First Peoples of this land.

This week, we pause to listen and celebrate. But more importantly, we renew our dedication to embedding First Nations perspectives, not as a temporary theme, but as a living truth woven through our relationships, rhythms and rituals, environments, and shared responsibilities with children, families, and communities.

Acknowledgement of Country – For Our Jarjums
As we gather on this beautiful, ancient Country, we take a moment to breathe in the stories held within the land, the footsteps of those who came before us, and the dreams of the Jarjums who walk beside us now.

We honour the First Nations peoples, the original educators and caretakers of children, whose enduring connection to land, language, and culture continues to guide our way. We acknowledge the deep pain and trauma caused by systems that promised inclusion, yet demanded people change who they are to belong.

Today, we choose a different path.

Inclusion is not about fitting in, it is about being truly seen, valued, and embraced. It means holding space for every Jarjum to grow strong in their identity, nurtured by love, culture, and truth.

We will never ask children to change who they are or conform to our expectations, rules, or beliefs. Instead, we commit to shifting our perspectives, unlearning where necessary, so all jarjums feel safe, valued, and a genuine sense of belonging in our spaces.

Belonging that is real, felt, and lived.

Let us move beyond simply speaking about having a strong Image of the child, let us embody it. Let it shine through our words, our choices, and every decision we make for the children in our care.

Our actions will reflect our belief that every child is capable, worthy, and whole.

We commit to doing better, for the Jarjums in our arms, in our services, and in our communities. We commit to listening more deeply, learning more humbly, and walking more softly. We commit to shaping places of true inclusion, where every child knows: You matter. You belong. You are enough.

May this land remind us of all that is possible.

May the voices of Jarjums past and present inspire us to lead with kindness, courage, and care.
And may today be another step on our shared journey toward healing, understanding, and a future where every child is held with the dignity and strength they deserve.

Within our services, we understand that a strong Image of the child means seeing every child and every family as already full of identity, culture, strength, and possibility. Inclusion is not about making children fit in, but about making space. Space for story. Space for truth. Space for every child to feel the heartbeat of belonging, not just during NAIDOC Week, but woven into the beauty of every day.

Our environments are intentionally rich with meaning, not neutral. Our curriculum is not scripted, but open, listening for possibilities. Our educators are not mere content deliverers but co-researchers, honouring the knowledge children bring and gently introducing the wisdom that has existed long before.

Respect is not reserved for special occasions. Culture is not something we visit temporarily; it is embedded in everything we do. We listen deeply to Country. We learn language. We seek guidance from Elders. And we hold tightly to the understanding that reconciliation is not a single event, but a lifelong journey we walk together, softly, truthfully, and always with heart.

As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, we do so with reverence and joy, knowing that the stories we share, the truths we honour, and the spaces we create are shaping not just the children of today, but the ancestors of tomorrow.