Outside Hours Care

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

“… A reconciled Australia is one where our rights as First Australians are not just respected but championed in all the places that matter …”

Kirstie Parker – Board Member, Reconciliation Australia

OSHC used Kirstie Parkers statement as a learning provocation relating to Indigenous artefacts and the difference between Cultural appropriation and appreciation. OSHC educators shared with children the fact that up to 85% of art sold through tourism markets as First Nations souvenirs are fake and imported. Lost revenue from this major income stream has a harmful effect on everything from self-determination and cultural maintenance to families and communities.

Although the concept of appropriation can be difficult, the children at OSHC easily grasped the difference between fake/imported artefacts to that made by an indigenous person.

As an extension to learning, OSHC introduced and discussed the heritage and artworks of Indigenous artist Mick Harding who is very forthright about appropriation and its impact on First Nations People.

In a mark of appreciation to Mick Harding, OSHC will dedicate a new display inspired by his artwork.

Having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people present in OSHC is vital when teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Non-Indigenous people may not have the authority to speak about certain aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures, and cannot speak for or about the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Therefore, some learning experiences should always be led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The OSHC is currently organising an indigenous artist, an Olympian and Hip Hop dancers to visit the service during Holiday Program.

Other learning activities throughout Reconciliation week involved children creating a menu from sand that included  bush tucker and Lemon myrtle, listening to indigenous music and reading picture story books by Indigenous authors.

Holiday program

Holiday program is in draft and will be advertised in week 7 of the school newsletter.

Holiday program will operate from Monday 28th June to Friday 9th July. 

We remind families to book and pay early as the program is open to the wider community and tends to fill up quickly. Should families need to cancel (after they’ve made a booking), then inform the service ASAP as there is usually a wait list.

Thank you in advance