“The day is celebrated across Australia on August 4th, but we’re celebrating a little early,” Lynn Bray from Eden Pre-school said. “Children’s Day and the week leading up to it as a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to celebrate their strengths and culture to their children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that community, culture and family play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.”

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Little Kids, Big Futures’ and is dedicated to helping children stand tall and feel connected and proud in culture.

Aboriginal elder Uncle Ossie Cruse attended the event, and did a ‘Welcome to Country’ for the children and parents, which included a sweet pep-talk to the littlies about the importance of the growing up to be custodians of the planet. Uncle Ossie also taught the kids a couple of koori words, and tried to play the gumleaf but had to stop mid-song due to the eruption of giggles from the tiny audience. “My lips are quivering too much from laughter to play,” he announced warmly, before folding up his instrument and putting it back in his breast pocket.

“This is the beginning of a child’s journey here at pre-school, and it’s tremendous that adults can participate on a day like this, and see what the children have to offer,” Uncle Ossie said later. “Sometimes we miss out on this special age, and as an elder it’s wonderful to see the kids growing, and see them engaged in culture.”

“It’s an important event for the local community and children’s services too,” agreed the newly appointed BVSC manager for Children, Families and Ageing, Kristina Brenner, who did a welcome speech. “It recognises the value of Aboriginal culture in community, and it’s an opportunity for us to learn about each others cultures and grow together.”

The Eden Public School koori dancers performed a number of dances, led by Aboriginal Education Assistant to the school, Shaquille Aldridge.

“The primary school kids love performing here, because they are dancing for their younger brothers and sisters,” Jenny Edwards from Eden Public School said. “They’re helping the little kids in pre-school transition into primary school, and inspire them with their traditional dance and music. And they did a wonderful job.”

It’s safe to say that everyone who participated in today’s ceremony would agree that for these little kids, the big future is bright.