Kirton Point Children’s Centre won the Outstanding Reconciliation Initiatives category at last week’s South Australian Public Education Awards with its Nunga Playgroup.
The Education Department described the program as a powerful example of reconciliation through relationships, inclusive practices and community engagement.
Carly Orchard, who helps facilitate Nunga Playgroup, was thrilled with the award.
“Pam Stanley, our director, myself, Brooke Miller and Leona Franklin flew over on Friday and got to be present for the ceremony which was lovely,” she said.
“We as organisers and the families who attend were very excited and honoured to receive the award because there were such high quality finalists.
“We thank the Nunga Playgroup families and children who have attended and supported the group over the years, we thank the funding body, the National Indigenous Australians Agency.”
She said there was plenty of support from back home on Friday.
“We were well supported with program participants and staff watching the livestream on the night – it was excellent for the community to be able to celebrate together.”
Nunga Playgroup has been running for nine years and the numbers have continued to grow in that time.
The main aim of the playgroup has been to have Aboriginal children and families be confident in navigating the education system.
The awards were held at the Adelaide Convention Centre, with winners of each category receiving $10,000, while finalists for each category received $2000 to undertake professional learning or purchase resources for their school community.
Ungarra Primary School also picked up an award in the Excellence and Equity in Education category.
