Published on Friday, 22 August 2025 at 10:21:31 AM
Families in Kununurra are already benefitting from a much-needed early learning service, with the Gardim-banjelng Badang Yarrawoo Menewoolbtha Children’s Service now officially open and supporting local families.
The service, whose name means “Growing Strong Roots for Strong Futures”, was delivered in partnership between the Wunan Foundation, One Tree Community Services and MG Corporation. The centre opened last month at 15 Pindan Avenue and provides quality early childhood education and care to up to 38 local children aged 0 to 5, with future plans to expand capacity through the addition of a transportable facility.
The centre will be officially launched by the Minister for Early Childhood Education at a special community event on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.
“This project has been years in the making, and it’s incredibly exciting to see the vision now brought to life,” said Prue Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer of Wunan. “It is a game-changer for local families and working parents in particular, and it strengthens our commitment to breaking cycles of disadvantage through access to quality education from the earliest years.”
Senator Glenn Sterle also congratulated those involved:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to my dear friend Ian Trust and all at Wunan Foundation and One Tree for achieving this outcome.
Ian and his staff work tirelessly for the betterment of their communities and the opening of this Children’s Service is testament to their hard work, dedication and commitment to delivering important and essential services for local people and their children.”
The Gardim-banjelng Badang Yarrawoo Menewoolbtha Children’s Service operates Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm, providing a safe, welcoming, and culturally appropriate space for children to learn and thrive. Priority access is offered to Aboriginal children and families, ensuring culturally safe early education is available where it is most needed.
“Community-led services are essential to building trust and engagement, especially with Aboriginal families,” Ms Jenkins continued. “Through this partnership with One Tree, we’re also investing in the local workforce, helping build capacity through traineeships and mentoring programs that create long-term pathways into employment.”
Claire McManus, Executive Manager Services at One Tree Community Services, said the centre’s focus on local training and support would be key to its success.
“We’ve seen incredible commitment from our trainees, who’ve undertaken accredited training through our Registered Training Organisation. They’re now supported by a local mentor to ensure they’re confident and well-equipped to deliver high-quality care from day one.”
The new centre also celebrates local culture and language through a partnership with the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-gerring Language and Culture Centre (MDWg). With funding from Wunan, children are taking part in Miriwoong language sessions as part of the Miriwoong Early Learning Language Capacity Development (MELCD) project, enriching their education while preserving and promoting the Miriwoong language.
“This is about more than just childcare,” said Ms Jenkins. “It’s about nurturing our youngest community members in a way that respects their culture, strengthens families, and supports the future of the East Kimberley.”
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