🌟 Celebrating Early Childhood Educators’ Day 🌟
Today, we honour incredible early childhood educators who nurture the growth, learning and identity of young jarjum we support.
At IUIH, we see the powerful impact of educators every day through our Deadly Kindies program and the BiOC early learning programs, where children are supported to grow up strong in culture, connected to Community and proud of who they are.
These educators do more than teach. They build foundations for lifelong wellbeing, helping our bubs thrive in safe, loving and culturally rich environments.
To all the educators who walk alongside families and communities, thank you. Your work is deadly, and your care shapes generations.
💛 Let’s celebrate your passion, dedication and the love you bring to every day. Read on for Kimberley’s story as an early childhood educator with Deadly Kindies and BiOC.
Kimberley Broadhurst (Appo) carries her culture and community close to her heart. As a proud Gooreng Gooreng and Kullilli woman, her journey into early childhood education was shaped by the love and connection she shares with her big Mob.
Kimberley says, “I come from a big Mob with plenty of nieces and nephews. They were my inspiration to share love, knowledge and passion with other little ones.”
That inspiration led her to IUIH, where she now works as an Early Childhood Educator supporting First Nations families across the northside of Magandjin/Meanjin. Her days are dynamic and deeply rooted in community.
“A typical day for me can vary. Most often, I’m working directly with families, helping them access their local Aboriginal Medical Service and culturally safe early childhood services.”
Whether it’s assisting with enrolment forms, birth certificates, Child Care Subsidy, NDIS, or appointments with Paediatric Allied Health, Kimberley’s role is all about being responsive to the needs of families. Her goal is simple but powerful: to help jarjum get the best start to life through kindergarten or long daycare.
But Kimberley’s work goes far beyond logistics.
“Being an Educator isn’t about ‘playing with toys’,” she says.
“It’s about nurturing little souls to become the best version of who they want to be. We’re part of their village, loving and supporting them the best way we can.”
She knows the impact of her role can be life-changing.
“Sometimes, we might be the only safe person in a child’s life. The only one advocating for them. That’s a huge responsibility. We’re here to change lives for their future.”
And for those considering a career in early childhood education, Kimberley offers heartfelt advice:
“If you’re not ready for that responsibility, make space for those who are.”