Celebrating NAIDOC Week at Skippy’s Early Learning – A Time of Connection, Culture, and Community

Rockhampton | Yeppoon | Gracemere | The Range | Central Queensland

July is a special month at Skippy’s Early Learning, and not just because we’re in the heart of winter.  It’s a time when we proudly celebrate NAIDOC Week—a nationwide event that recognises and honours the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

At all of our Skippy’s campuses—Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gracemere, and The Range—we weave cultural connection into our programs year-round, but during NAIDOC Week, our commitment becomes even more visible and intentional.

What is NAIDOC Week?

NAIDOC Week (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee) is a powerful reminder of the enduring strength, knowledge, and voices of our First Nations peoples. In 2025, the theme is “Keep the Fire Burning! Black, Loud & Proud”—a call to action to continue celebrating Indigenous resilience, culture, and pride across Australia, including right here in Central Queensland.

How We Celebrate NAIDOC Week at Skippy’s

From our long day care programs to Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) and Vacation Care, we use this week as an opportunity to deepen children’s understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through meaningful, age-appropriate experiences.

Some of our NAIDOC Week activities in the past have included:

• Exploring traditional symbols and art through collaborative art and projects

• Yarning circles to encourage storytelling and sharing

• Bush tucker tastings and nature walks in our outdoor environments

• Listening to Dreamtime stories and learning local language words

• Creating sand art, dot paintings, and music using natural materials

  
  

These experiences aren’t just “activities”—they’re important learning moments that support cultural awareness, respect, and a deeper sense of belonging for all children in our care.

Why Cultural Awareness Matters in Childcare and OSHC

At Skippy’s, we believe early education plays a vital role in shaping inclusive communities. By embedding Indigenous perspectives into our curriculum and daily routines, we are helping children develop:

• Respect for diversity

• Empathy and connection to others

• A strong sense of identity and community

  
  

This is especially important across our Central Queensland childcare services, where children come from many different backgrounds. Celebrating NAIDOC Week empowers every child to feel seen, valued, and proud.

Join the Celebration

We welcome all families to get involved in NAIDOC Week. Whether it's attending a local event, reading an Indigenous-authored children’s book, or simply having a conversation about what this week means, every conversation counts.

At Skippy’s Early Learning, we are proud to walk alongside our community in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gracemere, The Range and throughout Central Queensland, celebrating the strength and wisdom of Australia’s First Nations peoples—not just during NAIDOC Week, but every day.

Looking for high-quality early learning, OSHC, or Vacation Care in Central Queensland?

We’d love to welcome you to the Skippy’s family. Visit your local campus in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Gracemere, or The Range to find out how we combine culture, care, and creativity for children of all ages.