The community’s voices continue to guide us to find local solutions to local issues in Lockhart River. Achievements over the past year include: providing safe learning environments through the Early Years Programs, continuing to progress to become a Licensed Child Care service, new tailored programs for women, men and children in our Family Support programs, and increased engagement in our SONG program.

The Strengthening Our Next Generation (SONG) Program, which began in 2023, continues to grow and evolve. This year we have been seeing the cohort of students initially enrolled in 2023 now moving on to and flourishing at boarding school. They return home for the school holidays eager to join the SONG Boarding School Yarning Circles to share their positive experiences with the current Year 6 students.

With the Kuunchi Kakana Centre’s expansion to Child Care getting closer to completion, we can turn our focus to our outdoor spaces. To aid in building safe spaces where children develop the skills to thrive, we urgently need to build a safe outdoor play area. In collaboration with parents and families, we will be designing and building a natural playground that aligns with the Puuya Foundation’s Community, Culture, Country ethos. Natural playgrounds encourage active open-ended play, promoting healthy child development through critical imaginative play. This is how young children learn about the world around them and develop their physical, cognitive, and social skills.

With your generous contribution, you will be investing in the lives of young children in Lockhart River, ensuring they have access to safe learning environments to commence their early learning journey.