At Affinity Education, reconciliation is more than a statement - it’s a promise. A daily, deliberate act of respect, learning, and collaboration. Across more than 250 early learning centres on the traditional lands of First Nations peoples, we are building inclusive communities where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are recognised, celebrated, and embedded in everything we do.
"Reconciliation is a shared journey - and it starts in early childhood."
A National Commitment: Our Reconciliation Action Plan
In April 2025, we proudly launched our inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia. This foundational plan outlines the actions we are taking across our network to create meaningful change - starting with our youngest learners and extending to every educator, centre leader, family, and partner we work with.
Reconciliation, to us, means reflecting on our thoughts, behaviours, and practices - acknowledging the past and walking forward together.
Our RAP includes six core strategies that guide our actions and priorities:
- Cultural responsiveness training for all employees
- Consultation and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- First Nations perspectives embedded across policies, curriculum, and environments
- Inclusive employment pathways and professional development
- Procurement from First Nations-owned businesses
- Monitoring and evaluation to ensure real progress and accountability
This is not a checkbox exercise - it’s a movement we are proud to be part of, grounded in respect, equity, and community.
Embedding Cultural Learning and Anti-Bias Practice
At Affinity, reconciliation lives in the everyday.
In our centres, children engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through play, language, music, storytelling, art, and connection to Country. Educators lead Acknowledgements of Country each morning. Children learn words from local Aboriginal languages, paint with ochres, explore bush tucker gardens, and hear Dreaming stories that have been passed down for generations.
We take an anti-bias approach to early childhood education - helping children celebrate their identities while developing empathy and understanding for others. Educators create culturally safe, inclusive environments that reflect the richness of First Nations cultures and challenge stereotypes in age-appropriate ways.
Books like Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing help spark powerful conversations about truth, belonging, and shared history during National Reconciliation Week and throughout the year.
Learning in Partnership: Wandana Aboriginal Education
Our national partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education brings authentic cultural learning into every corner of our organisation. Since 2024, Wandana’s professional development platform, cultural workshop resources, and centre visits have enriched both our curriculum and the confidence of our educators.
Children sit in yarning circles, hear stories from Elders, and explore traditional music, dance, and symbols in hands-on, meaningful ways. Educators participate in cultural training and reflective practice, guided by Wandana and supported by our Reconciliation Working Group.
It’s learning with heart - and with purpose.
Celebrating Progress, Inspiring Action
We are proud of what we’ve already achieved - from launching our Children’s Acknowledgement of Country created by educator Tina Albert, to introducing staff uniforms featuring artwork by Wiradjuri/Birpai artist Wayde Clarke.
Our Reconciliation Working Group meets regularly to monitor progress, foster collaboration, and engage employees across the nation. We’re working towards 100% of our centres developing a RAP through Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education, and continually reflecting, learning, and evolving.
This is just the beginning.
Walking Together
Whether you’re a parent, educator, community partner, or potential employee, you’re part of this journey.
- Read our Reconciliation Action Plan
- Learn more about National Reconciliation Week
- Explore Wandana Aboriginal Education
- Add Somebody’s Land to your home library
Join us as we walk together toward a future built on respect, truth, and shared understanding.