Hundreds of children from across the state’s Central West filled the Dubbo Convention Centre today to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day during Public Education Week.

All 700 tickets sold out well in advance of the event for children aged zero to five years, which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and connection to family and community, and is run by the NSW Department of Education.

NSW Department of Education Quality Participation and Connections Executive Director, Natasa Mitic, said it was a thrill to be involved in the event.

“We’re very excited to see so many children, early childhood educators and families celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day," she said.

“The event booked out early, showing how people want to be a part of this wonderful chance to see friends, build new relationships and celebrate Aboriginal children’s connection with family and community."

Actor and Wiradjuri man Luke Carroll hosted the event, with children bopping along to performances by Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin, as well as stars of Play School on ABC.

Parents, carers and early childhood educators were able to connect with Aboriginal run community organisations and hear about early learning services and accessing local health organisations in the area.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme for 2025 was ‘Little Footsteps, Big Future’, aligning with the focus for NSW Public Education Week, which in 2025 encouraged all students to ‘Ignite Your Potential’.

“It’s wonderful that this important day coincides with Public Education Week in NSW," Ms Mitic said.

“This year’s Public Education Week theme ‘Ignite Your Potential’ dovetails beautifully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day focus on ‘Little Footsteps, Big Future’ and highlights the NSW Department of Education’s commitment to help our students reach their potential from preschool to Year 12.”

The popular Dubbo event supports the NSW Department of Education’s First Steps Strategy, which is committed to all Aboriginal children in NSW having access to high quality and culturally appropriate education, empowering them to embrace their culture and identity and providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

The 2025-2026 Budget expanded the First Steps Strategy with an investment of more than $200 million to improve Aboriginal children’s participation in early childhood education and increase the number of Aboriginal-owned and controlled early learning centres.