About the Gudjagang Gulgul Aboriginal Early Childhood Education and Care Committee (Gudjagang Gulgul Committee)

The Gudjagang Gulgul Committee was established in November 2020 to work with the NSW Department of Education to co-design an Aboriginal ECE (Early Childhood Education) strategy. The First Steps Aboriginal Children’s ECE Strategy (PDF 602 KB) was launched in June 2021 and the Gudjagang Gulgul Committee provides ongoing oversight and governance for its implementation.

The NSW Department of Education is committed to continue working alongside the Gudjagang Gulgul Committee to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are being heard in the decision making for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in early education.

New membership

We are now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for 2025-26 Gudjagang Gulgul Committee membership.

The renewal of Gudjagang Gulgul Committee membership ensures a range of expertise and knowledge to support the group to achieve its objective, solve problems, mitigate risks and drive delivery outcomes. Membership will be reviewed as needed and renewed regularly.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced in the following fields are encouraged to apply:

• a family member of a child in early childhood education and care 
• representative(s) from an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)
• representative from a Community Preschool, Public Preschool or Long Day Care
• a person who can advocate for children with additional needs
• a practicing professional in paediatrics, community health or childhood development
• representative(s) from Local Decision Making Alliances or an Aboriginal organisation that advocates for Local Decision Making Alliances.

Purpose and role

The purpose of the Gudjagang Gulgul Committee is to guide the work of the First Steps ECE Strategy and other key initiatives that the department has responsibility for in Early Childhood Education and Care.

As the current First Steps Strategy transitions to a new strategy in 2025/26, we are inviting applications for 2-year memberships with Gudjagang Gulgul to ensure consistency and continuity through this period of change.

Please see Ways of Working for more information.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the Eligibility Criteria below:

• be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and provide evidence
• live or work in NSW
• meet one or more of the membership categories listed above
• be committed to attending all meetings (both face to face and online)
• have knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families in Early Childhood Education and Care
• have an ABN (either a personal ABN or the organisations ABN if you are representing an organisation/service) or be willing to apply for an ABN
• have a Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to apply for a WWCC.

Meeting schedule

Meetings will be held approximately every 6 weeks alternating between in person meetings across NSW and online. Out of session activity may also be requested of members.

Remuneration and reimbursement

Remuneration

Non-government members will be remunerated in acknowledgment of the time impact of attending meetings and taking part in the workings of the Committee.

• Community Co-chair – $10,000.00 per annum
• Members – $5,000.00 per annum

Members will be paid at the end of the annual membership based on the following criteria:

• attend 75% of all meetings
• perform all membership roles and responsibilities outlined in the Ways of Working.

If members do not adhere to these requirements, payment will not be made.

Reimbursement

Members are entitled to be reimbursed for legitimate expenses incurred while carrying out their duties. Such expenses include travel, accommodation and meals (breakfast and dinner). Any claims must comply with applicable department policies and guidelines.

Note: the Secretariat will monitor and report members' attendance and participation to determine the annual membership payment for each member.

Contact us

Please email ECECGudjagangGulgul@det.nsw.edu.au for further details or if you would like to apply using a PDF application.