The VAEAI Koorie – Early Years Conference 2019 occured from October 28-30 with key parties involved in early childhood education and care in attendance.
Inspirational messages were delivered by a range of specialists and professionals in the industry, further demonstrating that it is one of the most exciting times in Aboriginal education history.
Significant key note sessions were delivered from Dr Esme Bamblett, Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson, Professor Yin Paradies, Miranda Edwards & Stacey Brown and they have kindly made their presentations available for the public.
Dr Esme Bamblett
Dr Esmerelda (Esme) Glenda Bamblett’s involvement in Koorie Education goes back to 1976 when she gained employment as the Executive Officer of the Victorian Aboriginal Education Consultative Group.
Her education qualifications include a Diploma of Teaching (Primary), a Post Graduate Certificate of Arts (Aboriginal Studies), a Diploma of Ministry, Master of Professional Education and Training, a Diploma of Ministry, and a PhD (Koorie identity). Dr Bamblett is a founding member of the Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Services (otherwise known as MACS), both Yappera in Melbourne and Lidje in the Goulburn Valley community.
She is currently the CEO of the Aborigines Advancement League, a position she has held since 2008. Dr Bamblett also manages Neenann, a business she started in 2002 with her five children developing Koorie Education Resources, is the Senior Pastor of Barak Christian Ministries Inc. and the President of the Fitzroy Stars Football and Netball Club.
Download the keynote presentation here
Dr Esme Bamblett – Cultural Pedagogy in early childhood education
Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson
Emeritus Professor Judy Atkinson identifies as a Jiman/Bundjalung woman and has a PhD from Queensland University of Technology, which focusses on violence, relational trauma, and healing.
She developed the We Al-Li program for her Masters in Indigenous Studies (Wellbeing); after completing her undergraduate degree in Trauma and Healing, and the Diploma of Community Recovery. She is the author of Trauma Trails: Recreating Songlines; The Transgenerational effect of trauma on Indigenous Australians.
Download the keynote presentation here
Ace’s Too High – Aboriginal Children – Trauma – Healing
Professor Yin Paradies
Professor Yin Paradies is a Wakaya man who is Chair in Race Relations and Indigenous Knowledges and Culture Coordinator at Deakin University. He conducts interdisciplinary research on the health, social and economic effects of racism as well as anti-racism theory, policy and practice across diverse settings, including workplaces, schools, universities, housing, the arts, and health.
He has authored almost 200 publications, is an invited reviewer for 100 journals, and has received more than 50 grants worth over $28 million. One of his co-publications includes ‘Standing up to racism and racial bullying among Australian school students’.
Download the keynote presentation here
Understanding and addressing racism in early years settings
Miranda Edwards
Miranda Edwards is a Noongar woman from the Wilaman Tribe in Western Australia and is acknowledged as a leader in Aboriginal Early Years education. Her CV includes Chairing the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association’s Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (Shepparton region), managing Lulla’s Children’s Service, running her own Aboriginal educational curriculum consultancy, and speaking locally, nationally and internationally at conferences on early childhood education.
Miranda’s qualifications include a Bachelor of Education, a Diploma of Early Childhood Education, and a Bachelor of Early Years. Miranda is committed to helping change the lives of families and communities, which is why she loves going to work.
Download the keynote presentation here
Our Children, Our Culture, Our Way
Stacey Brown
Stacey Brown is a proud descendant of the Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung clans, also known as the Jarra people, in Victoria. Stacey is married to a proud Gunditjmara man and is the mother of 3 children, shared mother to an additional 3 children and the proud and supportive Nan of 8 grandchildren….with 2 more on the way.
Stacey has been working within the Early Childhood Education sector for over 25 years and has been the CEO of Yappera Children’s Service since January 2004. Her formal qualifications include a Bachelor of Education, a Diploma of Children’s Services, a Certificate IV in Business (Governance), a Certificate in Business, and a Diploma of Business (Frontline Management). Stacey firmly believes that the Early Years are fundamentally important as they lay the foundations for future health, growth and development.
Download the keynote presentation here
Showcase of an Aboriginal Early Years Service – Yappera
