News and announcements
Keep up to date with news and events for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of the Gold Coast.
SAVE THE DATE!
Community Embracing Culture Event – National Reconciliation Week
All In for Reconciliation! Take Action! Make Change!
Join us this National Reconciliation Week as we come together for an afternoon grounded in culture, community, and connection.
This year’s theme, All In for Reconciliation, calls on all of us to walk together with intention, to listen, learn, and take action toward a shared future built on respect and understanding.
Bring the whole family and be part of a meaningful community gathering where culture is celebrated, stories are honoured, and connections are strengthened.
Event Details
📅 Saturday 30 May
🕑 2:00pm – 5:00pm
📍 Kalwun Child, Youth & Family Services
14 Kortum Drive, Burleigh Heads
We invite everyone to stand with us, to be present, and to be all in for reconciliation.
Youth Week 2026: Three Deadly Days for Young Mob
Youth Week 2026 is here!
This week is all about giving young mob aged 10 to 18 years the chance to try new experiences, connect with culture, have fun and explore the many possibilities open to them.
Across three action-packed days, young people will have the opportunity to take part in skateboarding, creative workshops, cultural activities, games, music and more, all in a safe, welcoming and supportive space.
From skating and art to culture, creativity and connection, there’s something for everyone.
Best of all, all activities are free.
What’s On
Monday 13 April
Skate, Create + Celebrate
Location: Varsity Lakes Skate Park, Cassia Drive, Varsity Lakes
Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm
Ages: 10–14 years
Young mob aged 10 to 14 are invited to join us for a deadly day of skating, creativity and fun.
Activities include:
- Songline Skateboarding demo
- Skateboarding lessons
- Skateboard painting
- Free lunch with Cool Bananas Food Truck
- Free haircuts by Traditional Cultural Cuts
- Youth info booths
- Workshop with DJ Big Mike
- Giveaways and more
Wednesday 15 April
Deadly Futures Experience
Location: Bond University
Time: 8.30am – 3.00pm
Ages: 13–18 years
This day is all about opening doors, building confidence and giving young people the chance to connect with opportunities for their future.
Activities include:
- Special guest speaker Sinead Sing from First Nation Start Up
- Traditional games
- Scavenger hunt with Deadly Choices
- Free fruit snacks and lunch provided
- Giveaways and more
Friday 17 April
Connecting with Culture
Location: Tallebudgera Recreation Centre
Time: 10.00am - 2.00pm
Ages: 10–18 years
Come together for a day of culture, creativity and connection.
Activities include:
- Cultural art workshop with Tiesha Martin-King and Steve Bekue
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance workshop with Anthony Cora, Tidjane Diop and Tiana Salee
- Free fruit snack and lunch provided
- Giveaways and more
A Sweet Adventure this Easter! 
The deadly annual Kalwun Easter egg hunt is just around the corner! 
This Good Friday at our Early Learning Play Area, choccy eggs 
will be hidden throughout the property, just waiting to be discovered! 
When: Good Friday, 3 April 2025
Time: 10 AM – 10:30 AM
Where: Kalwun Early Learning Play Area, Coomera
Hop on over and join the fun! 
Give Your Jarjum a Strong, Culturally Grounded Start to School
Looking for a nurturing, culturally connected space for your little one as they begin their school journey? Our Kalwun Early Learning Program is here to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 4–5 years, helping them build confidence, skills, and a love of learning.
📍 Location: Currumbin State School, 6 Philip St, Currumbin QLD
What the Program Offers:
✨ A safe and welcoming space for little learners
✨ A strong start to school with culturally grounded learning
✨ A free service for families
Importantly, participating in this program does not affect your Child Care Subsidy entitlements.
Come Along and See for Yourself
Drop in for a play and have a yarn with our friendly team about how the program works. We’re excited to meet you and your little jarjum!
Upcoming Sessions:
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Wednesday 11 March | 9.00am – 10.30am
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Wednesday 18 March | 9.00am – 10.30am
-
Wednesday 25 March | 9.00am – 10.30am
Contact:
📞 Jodie Dzarir – 0408 499 766
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Register:
Early Learning Program - Kalwun Development Corporation
We’d love to welcome your jarjum to a learning experience that celebrates culture, community, and curiosity 🖤💛❤️
Parent Testimonials
Our child absolutely loved attending the Kalwun Early Learning Program in 2024 at Burleigh and 2025 at Currumbin. The program provided a nurturing, culturally rich environment where they could connect with their heritage, build community connections, and, most importantly, make friendships with other children. The teachers were caring and attentive, and
the small child-to-teacher ratio allowed our child to thrive. They genuinely looked forward to “Kalwun School” each week, and I truly believe this experience helped pave the way for a confident start to school.
I can’t speak highly enough of Kalwun Early Learning Program. All of my children have completed two years each in this program, and every one of them has absolutely loved
their time there. From the very beginning, they formed such special bonds with both their teachers and their peers, which made the transition into schooling so much easier and more positive. The teachers at the ELP are truly amazing — they care for the children with genuine love, patience, and dedication. You can clearly see that they are passionate about what they do, and it shows in the way the children feel safe, supported, and excited to wanting to attend each day. One of the things I value most is the strong cultural foundation within the program. It’s incredibly important and not something offered widely in most schools, so having that connection and learning built into their early education is very special. The smaller class group sizes are another huge benefit. It really supports children who may struggle in larger group settings and allows for more one-on-one time and focused skill development with the teachers. I highly recommend this program to any family. I have no doubt that once your child settles in, they will look forward to attending every other day coming forward.
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If you are planning on bringing a large group of people, please complete the registration form.
What some information on having a stall at our event? Fill out the EOI here.
