Almost 800 preschool aged children, their families and educators, gathered on Wonnarua Country at Maitland Basketball Stadium for a morning of singing, dancing and storytelling to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day.

The big drawcards were The Emma Memma show, the Jollybops science show, a petting zoo, and face painting.

Emma Watkins, a former Wiggle (and the first female member of the famous children's group) is the star of the interactive musical Emma Memma Show.

Ms Watkins, who is currently touring Australia with her Jungle Picnic show, said she invited children and families to sing, dance and sign using Auslan.

Ms Watkins said the atmosphere was joyful, energetic and incredibly welcoming.

"There’s something very special about seeing a room full of children singing, dancing and signing together," she said. "Young audiences are wonderfully expressive, so you can really feel their excitement throughout the performance.

"I love creating an environment where there isn’t one correct way to participate. Children can sing, move, sign, watch, or join in when they feel ready. Seeing them build confidence and communicate in their own way is one of the most rewarding parts of performing as Emma Memma.

"Preschoolers are wonderfully honest and spontaneous. Not all children sit and observe; they sometimes respond with their whole bodies, whether that’s dancing, signing, calling out or copying a movement for the first time.

"The children particularly love the songs that invite them to participate physically. Crocodile Snap is always a favourite, and Three Little Monkeys creates such a fun response because the children immediately recognise the actions and the song and want to join in."

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day event, organised by the NSW Department of Education, was part of Public Education Week celebrations and is held every year on 4 August to honour the voices, stories and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities.

The event kicked off at 9am on Tuesday with preshow entertainment from The Jollybops science show and a local Aboriginal cultural performer before the main event with activities and performances from Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin.

The NSW Department of Education Early Childhood Outcomes Manager, Luke Kendall, said the event was a great success and "a lot of fun".

"We’ve had about 780 children aged from one to five and their parents and early childhood educators here celebrating National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day," Mr Kendall said.

"The children loved seeing Emma Memma perform, plus there were lots of other activities – a petting zoo, face painting, and Aboriginal dance and storytelling and dancers.

"National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is held every year on the 4th of August. It’s a sombre day remembering the Stolen Generation, and it’s also a day to celebrate the resilience of Aboriginal people and all the positive opportunities for these young children today.

“It is so important that we celebrate Aboriginal culture because evidence shows that Aboriginal children have better educational outcomes when their culture is celebrated, they have a strong sense of identity, and they feel connected to their community."

Deputy Secretary Early Childhood Outcomes, Mark Barraket, also celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

"We have so much to learn from the voices, stories and knowledge of the oldest continuous living culture on Earth and support and celebrate this contribution today and every day," Mr Barraket said.

“Our vision is to ensure that all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can access high-quality early learning and are supported to embrace their culture for a strong start to lifelong learning."