SDN Child & Family Learning Centre

At SDN Surry Hills, we play, learn, live and work on Gadigal Land.

We celebrate and cherish the cultures, languages and traditions of the First Nations peoples of Australia. We recognise First Nations peoples’ spiritual connection to Country and their role in nurturing Country over many thousands of years. May we continue to learn from this strength and wisdom.

We say sorry - we acknowledge Australia’s painful history since colonisation, including the inter-generational trauma and racism which continues to affect First Nations communities. We apologise unreservedly for this trauma and teach and talk about sorry as a language for reconciliation. We also recognise the strength and resilience of First Nations peoples and cultures in the face of colonial injustices, inequalities and inequities.

We listen – our vision is for an Australia which actively listens to and learns from First Nations peoples. We will continue to listen to First Nations voices, hearts, stories and songs. In this act of listening, we will come together and contribute to an inclusive, educated and reconciled Australia.

We celebrate diversity – our vision connects children to concepts of equity, fairness and justice. We acknowledge that diversity contributes to the richness of our society, and this includes the richness of First Nations cultures. By respectfully embracing and sharing what we learn, we are committed to creating a culturally safe space for First Nations families where the seed of knowledge and understanding is nurtured and grows.

At SDN Surry Hills, we celebrate diversity in all its forms.

At SDN Surry Hills, we envision– and will take action towards - an end to racism in Australia.

Let us all continue on this journey of reconciliation with open minds and hearts.