Narrogin REED opens yarning circle and trials transport program to encourage Aboriginal family participation

A Narrogin childcare centre has opened a yarning circle to create a safe and welcoming space for Indigenous children while also trialling a transport program to help overcome access barriers.

Narrogin REED celebrated the official opening of its yarning circle on July 27, attended by representatives from local community services, including the Kaata-Koorliny Employment & Enterprise Development Aboriginal Corporation and Shooting Stars.

Elder Basil “Pop” Kickett gave a welcome to country at the launch.

REED received funding through the Commonwealth Community Child Care Fund to implement 14 yarning circles across its regional WA services.

“Elder Basil Kickett did a welcome to country and he explained how to put the yarning circle to use,” REED operations manager Steven Sizer said.

“He will be coming back and doing some professional development with the team about how to use it. The yarning circle is about creating a safe space, giving everyone a chance to talk, discussing issues and openness.”

Last month, the childcare centre started trialling a transport program which involves the Indigenous community liaison officer driving a bus to pick up and drop off children three days a week.

“Our focus has been to remove or overcome known barriers and respond quickly to ongoing feedback from the families accessing our services,” Mr Sizer said.

“Providing a culturally safe and inviting environment has started with the employment of First Nations trainees from within our community, our acknowledgement of country — now on display across all REED services — and yarning circles, which are now in 14 REED locations.

“We continue to listen and adapt to changing needs, such as transportation to and from childcare.”