Embedding Indigenous Culture and Connection at Aspire Riverwalk
National Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect on our shared history, cultures and the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It’s a moment to acknowledge the truth and look towards a more inclusive future.
At Aspire Riverwalk, Reconciliation week was a meaningful journey of learning, connection, and respect. From exploring Aboriginal symbols and storytelling to understanding our shared responsibility to care for Country, Riverwalk’s little learners have been deeply engaged and curious every step of the way.
Learn more about the cultural activities, learning spaces and initiatives the team at Riverwalk organised for Reconciliation Week.
Aspire Riverwalk proudly joined the Sea of Hearts movement in support of Reconciliation Week. This movement uses the creation of "hearts" to spark conversations about Reconciliation and encourage the embedding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
This year, their Sea of Hearts display became even more special with the active involvement of families. Parents and children created heartfelt messages and artworks on paper hearts, sharing hopes for a future built on truth, respect, and unity. These hearts now fill the centre with colour, compassion, and the voices of our learning community. Check out some photos of the beautiful display below!
As part of Reconciliation Week, the children at Aspire Riverwalk also explored the 2025 theme artwork originally created by Bree Buttenshaw—a proud Kalkadoon woman and gifted digital artist based in Quandamooka Country.
Inspired by Bree’s meaningful piece, the children created their own artworks, expressing themes of connection, unity, and respect through colour, pattern, and storytelling. This creative experience encouraged rich conversations about Aboriginal culture, belonging, and our shared responsibility in reconciliation. We are proud of how thoughtfully our little artists at Aspire Riverwalk engaged with such an important message.
Throughout the week, the children also participated in various activities that engaged their understanding of Indigenous culture. From exploring Aboriginal symbols and engaging in storytelling, our little learners have been deeply engaged and curious every step of the way.
As part of National Reconciliation Week, educators at Aspire Riverwalk dressed in yellow, to proudly support First Nations children and families through Children’s Ground. Children’s Ground is a not-for-profit organisation that provides one-on-one support to children and families in Indigenous communities, with a focus on education, nutrition, health and economic opportunities from an early age.
While the educators wore yellow in solidarity, the children also engaged in meaningful, yellow-themed activities such as using yellow playdough to create aboriginal symbols and more. Aspire Riverwalk is grateful for all their educators and families who donated and supported such a meaningful cause.
To top off the week, Aspire Riverwalk were honoured to welcome Trung Luu, Member of Parliament for Werribee, to their centre. He generously presented the team with the Aboriginal flag and the Victoria State flag, marking a special moment for our learning community. Trung was delighted to see the beautiful welcome poster created by the children – a proud celebration of community and connection.
Reconciliation isn’t just the work of adults—it’s a shared journey that includes all of us. In early childhood education, we have a unique opportunity to begin that journey in thoughtful, age-appropriate ways.
Through creating Aboriginal artwork, setting up different learning spaces, reading stories that honour our history, and having meaningful conversations about reconciliation, Aspire Riverwalk has provided significant learning opportunities for children.
By weaving First Nations stories, voices and perspectives into our centres and daily learning experiences, we lay the foundations of respect and cultural understanding that children carry with them as they grow.
When we acknowledge and embed First Nations culture across our curriculum, we’re helping bridge now to next—nurturing curious minds and compassionate hearts for a more connected future.
If you’d like to learn more about the curriculum at Aspire Riverwalk, then click on one of the links below. We’d love to welcome you to the Aspire Riverwalk community!
