Jarjum Centre Inc

Jarjum Centre Inc is a dedicated Early Childhood Centre located in Lismore, on the lands of the Widjabal Wiyabal people within the Bundjalung Nation. Established over 40 years ago by committed Elders, it focuses on providing culturally safe and inclusive early childhood education for Aboriginal children aged 2 to 6 years. The centre champions the rights of Aboriginal children, families, and communities to access equitable educational opportunities that foster thriving, adaptation, and high-quality learning as a foundation for lifelong success.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Jarjum Centre Inc is to offer a safe, nurturing, and culturally appropriate environment where Aboriginal children and their families can access early childhood education, health services, and family support. Its vision is to empower Aboriginal families to engage actively in their children’s learning and to ensure all children develop a strong sense of wellbeing, identity, culture, and community connection. The centre aspires to close the gap in educational and health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children, supporting children to succeed in both their cultural and broader societal worlds.

Main Objectives

• Provide accessible, inclusive, and best-practice early childhood education programs for Aboriginal children aged 2-6 years.
• Support families throughout their child’s educational journey with streamlined, culturally safe services.
• Coordinate early childhood health services and allied health support, including occupational and speech therapy.
• Promote family and community engagement to strengthen cultural connections and wellbeing.
• Facilitate community-led initiatives such as supported playgroups to enhance self-determination.

Benefiting Groups

The primary beneficiaries are Aboriginal children aged 2 to 6 years and their families within the Lismore region and surrounding Indigenous communities. The centre also supports local Aboriginal communities by helping establish playgroups and providing governance and professional development training for community-led initiatives.

Services and Activities

• Early Childhood Education Program: Qualified educators deliver culturally inclusive preschool programs tailored to children’s developmental needs.
• Allied Health Services: Onsite occupational therapy and speech pathology assessments and therapy to support children’s development.
• Family Support: A dedicated family worker assists with housing, advocacy, and wellbeing support.
• Jarjum Midjang Playgroup: A trauma-informed, sensory playgroup providing early years support, health navigation, and family wellbeing in a culturally safe space.
• Homework Hub: Support for school-aged children to assist with homework and community engagement.
• Community Capacity Building: Training and support for Indigenous communities to develop their own early learning strategies and playgroups.