Media Release
15 November 2016: Minister for Early Childhood Education, Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. Leslie Williams MP is set to launch a book celebrating Aboriginal early childhood education in Australia.
The book – Voices & Visions Aboriginal Early Childhood Education in Australia – contains contributions from Aboriginal women from all over Australia, and reflects the professional and personal stories of practitioners in Aboriginal early childhood education.
Michelle Hamilton, Gowrie NSW Indigenous Cultural Hub Manager and a key contributor of Voices & Vision, said the book is a text for how Aboriginal world views are incorporated in what they do in the early childhood education field.
“This book is the first major piece of work which has been primarily written by Aboriginal teachers and educators telling their stories of what it is like to have a vocation in early childhood education,” Ms Hamilton said.
“Readers will learn and understand that for these women, a deeply held commitment to an Aboriginal heritage is inextricably linked to their experience within the early childhood sector.”
Most of the women who contributed to the book have taught in Aboriginal centres principally, while others have taught in mainstream where the importance of imparting cultural knowledge and concepts are just as powerful.
Ms Hamilton said apart from gaining a greater insight into the unique experience of Aboriginal women working in early childhood, the book sends a strong message to young Aboriginal women that they can achieve their professional dreams.
Gowrie NSW CEO, Lynne Harwood, said Gowrie NSW has long been supporters of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and that this event recognises the holistic approach the organisation takes towards Indigenous Australians.
“Gowrie NSW is a proud advocate of Indigenous education and in particular when it comes to the empowerment and education of Aboriginal women in early childhood education,” Ms Harwood said.
To celebrate the launch of ‘Vision Voices’ Gowrie NSW is holding a book launch event at The Salvation Army Training Centre Stanmore House, Stanmore on Friday, 2 December 2016.
About Gowrie NSW
A leader in early childhood for 75 years, Gowrie NSW provides education and care, family support and professional development services.
Gowrie NSW also provides professional development and consultancy services to the early childhood and middle childhood sector and consultancy services to corporate organisations to help them meet the child care needs of their employees.
Media Contact: For media enquiries or to attend the book launch please contact Gowrie NSW Communications and Marketing Manager Antonia Maiolo on 02 8571 9760 or email Antonia.maiolo@gowriensw.com.au
