A message from the Chair
At this important time in Australia ’ s evolution , we as a country are accepting our responsibility to acknowledge and reconcile with this country ’ s First Nations peoples , and at KU Children ’ s Services we are deeply committed to this action .
As an original pioneer , and now a leader in the early childhood sector , KU is taking an active role in this emerging dialogue of recognition and reconciliation . Informed by a considerable process of consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues , our staff and stakeholders , we are pleased and proud to be launching our KU Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan .
Through our continual commitment to progressive and engaging early childhood education programs , KU has always embraced and advocated for change that benefits the lives of all our youngest Australians , and our Reconciliation Action Plan recognises our critical role in facilitating that change through the education of the next generation .
Our Reconciliation Action Plan , presented with the full support of our Board , conveys KU ’ s ongoing learning and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander histories , cultures and communities , and reflects KU ’ s deep commitment to diversity and inclusion . In this sense , our vision for reconciliation is directly influencing the way we continue to shape and evolve KU , and as we nurture the creators , thinkers and doers of today and tomorrow .
As Chair of KU at the time of this significant milestone in its history , I am proud on behalf of the Board to endorse KU ’ s commitment to this Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan .
A message from the CEO
David McCracken Chair , Board of Directors
Last year throughout KU , we celebrated 120 years of our strong and unwavering commitment to providing high quality education and care programs to young children since our foundation in 1895 . To mark the occasion , we published a commemorative history ‘ As the twig bends , so the tree grows ’, which captures the growth and diversification of KU over 120 years , whilst remaining strongly grounded in our values .
As we move forward into a new era , I am immensely proud that the publication of the KU Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan is a significant milestone throughout the whole organisation as we commit to promoting positive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples , and indeed all Australians . We are proud to see the tree of learning , that so aptly reflected our 120 year journey , also reflected within the artwork commemorating and adorning the Reconciliation Action Plan .
We also acknowledge we have much to learn from our First Nations peoples ; cultures rich in family and kinship ; a strong sense of belonging to and caring for their country ; and a history that goes back for thousands of years ; long before KU ’ s story began .
As the most experienced provider of high quality early education in Australia , we know the importance of a child ’ s early years and value the child ’ s family as their first and foremost educator . The Early Years Learning Framework ( EYLF ) Belonging , Being and Becoming reflects our approach as we work in partnership with families ; understand the importance of relationships and belonging ; value children as they are in the here and now ; and know that the experiences we provide to children will have an impact on their future love of learning and the ultimate success of our nation .
Thank you to the many people in KU who contributed to this important document , particularly members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group and the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group , led by Gisella Wilson , Manager Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs . Our work in developing this Reconciliation Action Plan will ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples , their cultures and histories are appreciated and reflected throughout KU as we continue to strengthen our commitment and practices of reconciliation .
Christine Legg Chief Executive Officer