Extension of allied health support

KU Marcia Burgess Foundation is pleased to announce its extension of financial support for children with additional needs to access paediatric allied health assessments and therapy sessions at KU’s Allied Health Services.

Donations will assist eligible families who are experiencing financial hardship to access vital allied health support for children in their early years, and importantly before they commence school. It will also mean KU can fast-track support for those whose therapies may be delayed due to out-of-pocket expenses that eligible families simply cannot afford.

You can make a genuine positive social impact for all children in our community by supporting programs like this. Please give generously today.

Creating a welcoming and culturally safe space at KU Ashmont, Wagga Wagga

As part of the Foundation’s Community Led Program in Wagga Wagga, a $10,000 grant from the CommBank Staff Foundation has supported an arts-based project at KU Ashmont Preschool and Family Centre.

Due to be completed in December, the project is engaging with local Aboriginal artists, members of the local Wiradjuri community, children, families, and KU to create a collaborative work of art.

The artwork will represent the local Aboriginal community and families through symbolic graphics that convey respect and acknowledge KU Ashmont’s commitment for reconciliation and Aboriginal people’s connection to Country.

Not only will the finished masterpiece be transformed into a t-shirt design that children at KU Ashmont (and staff) can wear with pride, but it will also become a mural within the service.

The recognition, celebration, and promotion of culture through shared stories and artworks will enable KU Ashmont Preschool and Family Centre to provide a welcoming and culturally safe space and continue to connect with local peoples through a visible and respectful display of culture.

We look forward to sharing images of the finished piece in the next edition of KU Alumni Connect.

Photo: Terrie O’Brien, Wiradjuri Artist engaging with children at KU Ashmont, Wagga Wagga

Extension of Wiradjuri Language Program in Wagga Wagga

KU Marcia Burgess Foundation is thrilled to receive a $10,000 community grant from the CommBank Staff Foundation to enable the delivery of a Wiradjuri Language Program to KU Koala and KU Kookaburra Preschools in Wagga Wagga throughout 2023.

The Wiradjuri Language Program is a local initiative, determined, designed, and is currently being delivered by Wiradjuri Language Educators, raising interest and bringing a sense of cultural pride to the wider community.

Ashleigh Pengelly, KU’s Community Cultural Coordinator, first developed a connection with the Wagga Wagga Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) leading to delivery of KU’s first Wiradjuri Language Program from July 2022 in three of its local preschools – KU Ashmont, KU Kingfisher and KU Kangaroo. Funding secured by the AECG from the NSW Department of Education, Ninganah No More Program will cease in June 2023.

Continued engagement in the Wiradjuri Language Program is broadening opportunities to further develop connections with members of the local Aboriginal community and establish important foundations for lasting relationships.

Photo: Luke Wighton, Wiradjuri Cultural and Language Educator with children at KU Kookaburra, Wagga Wagga

If you’re interested in donating to the KU Marcia Burgess Foundation to support programs that support creating positive learning environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, please donate today.

Donation to Little Buddies Toy Library

In September, KU Marcia Burgess Foundation allocated a one-off donation to Little Buddies Toy Library to assist with costs of stocking equipment in new premises to be established at the Manor Lakes North Community Centre in Wyndham, Victoria. The new toy library, which brings the number of Little Buddies in the area to three, will be situated alongside KU Manor Lakes North Kindergarten (interim name), which is due to open in in early 2023.

Little Buddies Toy Library is a not for profit, community owned group and has been working with families in the Wyndham local area for over twenty years. The organisation strongly supports children’s learning through play with the provision of more than 3,000 toys for children from birth to eight years of age. The new toy library will facilitate opportunities for families to access quality equipment and the chance to join wider community networks while promoting sustainability principles within the community.

For further information on the demographics of Wyndham Council LGA, please see our article New KU services to open in Victoria and regional NSW.

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