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 refreshed as the First Steps – the NSW Aboriginal Children's Early Learning Strategy 2026–2030 (PDF 639 KB). 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 learning.

Purpose and role

The purpose of the Gudjagang Gulgul Committee is to guide the work of the First Steps Aboriginal Children's Early Learning Strategy and other key initiatives that the department has responsibility for in early learning.

As the current First Steps Strategy transitioned to a refreshed 2026–2030 strategy, 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 (PDF 505 KB) for more information.

New membership

Expressions of interest (EOI) for the 2027–28 Gudjagang Gulgul Committee Membership will open in late 2026.

The department will update this website with eligibility criteria and additional information as it becomes available.

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 – $20,000 per annum
• Members – $10,000 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

For more information or support, pleae reach out to us via email at ECECGudjagangGulgul@det.nsw.edu.au.