Our Programs
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Community Engagement
The Community Engagement Worker at Cullunghutti works with a wide range of partner organisations, and the Community Development Worker organises special events within the local community. The Community Development Worker is also responsible for a range of programs including the Cullunghutti Women’s Group. The Community Development Worker is also the Cullunghutti Catering Manager, and the Paint Shoalhaven REaD, Black & Yellow contact for our centre. The Community Development Worker’s name is Tina Seymour, and she can be contacted on 4428 6900, or emailed on tinas@cullunghutti.org.au
Engaging in Education
The Engaging in Education Worker assists to improve outcomes relating to school attendance, increase parental engagement, and improve behavioural and educational outcomes for local Aboriginal children. The Engaging in Education Worker’s programs include the up-and-coming Koori Culture Club, Nowra East Public School Homework Centre, and referral to Smith Family Learning for Life Scholarships. The Engaging in Education Worker’s name is Charlie Ashby, and he can be contacted on 4428 6900, or via email at charliea@cullunghutti.org.au
Family Support
The Family Support Program at Cullunghutti offers support and advocacy to Aboriginal children and their families in a holistic and culturally appropriate manner. Family Support can include support and advocacy with our internal services such as Paediatrician, Psychologist, or Therapy Services, and can also include referral and support with other agencies. The Family Support Worker can support families with concerns regarding financial support, including Centrelink, domestic violence, accommodation, and behaviour support for children. The Family Support Program also offers case management for children and their families, and this support is provided on an individual needs basis. The Family Support Worker’s name is Amy Smith, and she can be contacted on 4428 6900 or via email on amys@cullunghutti.org.au
Early Links
The Early Links worker at Cullunghutti provides support in everyday settings as early as possible to promote skill development, participation, and inclusion of children with disabilities in the community. The Early Links Worker provides a focus on collaboration with, and building capacity of local communities and mainstream services to support and meet the needs of the children and their families, with a focus on the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The Early Links Worker provides referral and support to a number of other services, such as respite care, funding applications, and a range of therapy services. The Early Links Worker’s name is Margaret Seymour, and she can be contacted on 4428 6900, or via email on margarets@cullunghutti.org.au
Paint Shoalhaven REaD, Black and Yellow
Paint Shoalhaven REaD, Black & Yellow is an early literacy program that encourages reading, rhyming, singing, and yarning to our babies from birth. If your service would like to become involved in the Paint Shoalhaven REaD, Black & Yellow program, please contact our Community Engagement Worker Tina Seymour on 4428 6900, or via email on tinas@cullunghutti.org.au.
Paint Shoalhaven REaD, Black & Yellow began in 2016 as a collaborative working party of early childhood teachers, community organisations, librarians, community workers, local Elders, and community members. Rhonda Brain’s Community Early Literacy Program inspired it – Paint the Town REaD, which began in Parkes NSW, and is now inspiring communities across Australia. The aim is to encourage all levels of the community to support Shoalhaven children’s early learning from birth, and to make this lots of fun for everyone!
Why is Early Literacy important?
Recent scientific research has confirmed what many people believed anyway – the first three years of a child’s life (and the months before birth) have an enormous impact on a child’s wellbeing, learning, and behaviour. Brain growth at that time is incredible – 80-90% of our brain growth and connections occur in these first few years, and we will never get such an opportunity to help our brains as in these early years.
Recent scientific research has confirmed what many people believed anyway – the first three years of a child’s life (and the months before birth) have an enormous impact on a child’s wellbeing, learning, and behaviour. Brain growth at that time is incredible – 80-90% of our brain growth and connections occur in these first few years, and we will never get such an opportunity to help our brains as in these early years.
Growing babies’ brains depend on the grownups in their lives for stimulation. It’s not hard! Just by taking the time to have fun with little ones – playing games, sharing stories, picture books, songs, rhymes with babies and toddlers, just to name a few – gives those hungry brains just what they need to reach their potential.
Cullunghutti Women’s Group
Every Monday from 10am, Cullunghutti Women’s Group meet at our centre for a cuppa and a yarn. Each week is a different activity that can include traditional weaving, bead and jewellery making, painting, and other arts and crafts. There will also be weeks that include the Women’s Group participating in trips onto Country for activities as well. Part of this group includes access to a range of different allied health.