Harrietville Bush Kinder recognised at the 2025 Victorian Early Years Awards

Local creative Patricia Cerminara is celebrating the success of Harrietville Bush Kinder, which received top honours at the Victorian Early Years Awards 2025, held on Thursday 6 November 2025 in Melbourne. The event was hosted by broadcaster and author Jacinta Parsons and presented by the Parliamentary Secretary for Children, Nathan Lambert MP.

Harrietville Bush Kinder was named the winner of Category 8 – The Aunty Rose Bamblett Koorie Early Years Legacy Award, which recognises early childhood services that demonstrate holistic service provision, engage Aboriginal children and families, and build Aboriginal perspectives through partnerships that enable self-determination.

Through her consulting work with the kindergarten, Patricia has seen first-hand the dedication and cultural strength that underpin this achievement. Harrietville Bush Kinder provides a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment where children are encouraged to connect with Country and community.

The kindergarten works closely with Dhudhuroa Elders to share language, stories, and traditions. Initiatives such as Dhudhuroa Language Days give children the opportunity to learn new words and ideas through play, song, and storytelling. Teachers use the ‘8 Aboriginal Ways of Learning’ framework, incorporating cultural tools including possum-skin journals and First Nations storybooks to make learning engaging, creative, and meaningful.

The service maintains strong partnerships with local Elders, cultural organisations, and Aboriginal wellbeing practitioners, helping children to build pride in identity and belonging. Each year, staff, Elders, children, and community partners contribute to the ongoing development of the service’s Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring that language and culture continue to thrive.

Harrietville Bush Kinder’s recognition at the 2025 Victorian Early Years Awards stands as a powerful example of collaboration, respect, and cultural learning in practice.