First Nations

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 

This is an opportunity for the whole community to celebrate our children. Each year mob from all over the country host and attend events focused on kids, culture, family and community. This day provides a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and promotes their rights, safety and wellbeing. 

Children’s Day was first held in 1998. Part of the reason it started was because there were many of our children in orphanages and institutions who did not know their birthday, so Children’s Day was set aside each year to celebrate the birthday of these children.

The day was also needed to give Aboriginal children “confidence and make them feel special and included.” Over the years the day has grown, with more and more events such as morning teas, community BBQs and other celebrations being held.

Next year we aim to include our Koorie students, families and all staff to see what they would like to see the school do for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. 

Koorie students 

In the next newsletter we will be hearing from our Koorie students! 

Key significant dates on the calendar:

• 4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 
• 9 August – International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 
• 6 September – Indigenous Literacy Day 

Taylah Moschetti - First Nations Advocate at Lilydale Heights College. Email her at taylah.moschetti@education.vic.gov.auif you ever need a yarn. Until the next newsletter update!