On-Country Learning: Martu Caregiver and Children Walking on Remote Desert Road | KJ Women and Families Program

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Wantikajaku Jijikajaku: For women + Children

Helping Martu families and communities support their kids to learn, grow, and develop into confident Martu adults.

Our Journey

Martu Toddlers Develop Skills Through Interactive Playgroup Games | KJ Women and Families Program

Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: Martu Elder Teaches Toddler Traditional Witchetty Grub Hunting Techniques on-Country | Indigenous Cultural Education | KJ Women and Families Program

Martu Cultural Heritage: Indigenous Family Visits Waterhole On-Country | Traditional Knowledge Sharing | KJ Women and Families Program

Martu Toddler Development: Engaging Creative Learning Activities for Indigenous Early Childhood Education | KJ Women and Families Program

The 5 Domains

The KJ Women and Families Program is guided by five key domains, developed by Martu. These guide the program’s strategies and activities to fit with Martu culture and address community needs.

Martu Employment

DOMAIN 3

DOMAIN 4

Martu Leadership

DOMAIN 5

Health

DOMAIN 2

DOMAIN 1

Martu Culture

Early Years Education

DOMAIN 1

Teach, learn and retain Martu cultural knowledge

Martu culture and knowledge are central to the identity and strength of Martu families. This domain focuses on ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed down to younger generations through on-country experiences, storytelling, and intergenerational learning.

On-Country Learning: Indigenous families connect with traditional knowledge at remote waterhole on Martu Country | KJ Women and Families Program

Martu Bush Tucker: Martu caregiver sharing traditional knowledge with baby, tasting wama (grevillea flower) bush tucker on-Country | KJ Women and Families Program

Key benefits:

Intergenerational Learning On-Country: Martu Elder sharing traditional knowledge with children, seated amidst Australian Western Desert wildflowers | KJ Women and Families Program

Intergenerational learning: Children learn directly from Martu Elders and family members, gaining traditional Indigenous knowledge passed down through generations.
Cultural identity: Through learning about their history, language, and traditions, children develop a strong sense of identity and pride in being Martu.
Connection to Country: For Martu, Country is more than just land—it is family, culture, and identity. On-Country activities help children feel secure, loved, and connected to their heritage, fostering happiness and belonging.
Hands-on cultural learning: Children learn important traditional skills such as finding bush foods and tracking animals.

Back to the 5 Domains

On-Country Learning: Indigenous caregiver teaching toddler traditional bush tucker skills, digging for 'minyarra' bush oinions on-Country | KJ Women and Families Program

Connection to Country: Indigenous caregiver and toddler visit waterhole, strengthening connection to Martu culture | KJ Women and Families Program

“We take the kids out on-Country and teach them about bush tucker, tracks, trees, and water. We also tell them the Martu names. They ask a lot of questions, and we answer and show them.”

Heather Samson, KJ Senior Cultural Advisor

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

Children learned traditional skills such as finding parnka (goanna) and lunki (witchetty grub), strengthening Indigenous knowledge.

23 on-Country trips took place.

The program continues to prioritise Martu language learning, with children singing songs in Martu wangka (language), including Kulykalykarri (Budgerigar).

Kids collected bush medicine, harvested wamurla (bush tomato), and learned where kalaru (samphire) grow.

Connection to Country: Indigenous families visit salt lake on Martu Country, fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer | KJ Women and Families Program

Aboriginal language preservation: Indigenous cultural education through intergenerational learning as Martu Elder and caregiver teach toddler 'wangka' language on-Country | KJ Women and Families Program

“In the program, we teach the kids, we tell them stories, sitting around the campfire, so the kids can be ninti (knowledgeable). We teach them what’s good to eat and collect bush medicine. We want the children to be strong in their future.”

Louise Jeffries, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 2

Our playgroups blend Martu knowledge with Western learning. Through culturally rich, play-based activities, we prepare Martu children for success in both Martu and mainstream settings. Our Aboriginal early childhood education program helps Martu kids feel ready for school while fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning and cultural pride.

Intercultural Early Years Preparation

Indigenous early childhood education: Martu toddler developing early literacy skills with picture book | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous early childhood education: Martu toddler develops fine motor skills through bush craft, laminating wildflowers | KJ Women and Families Program

Key benefits:

School readiness: Collaboration with community schools and engagement in classroom activities help kids feel comfortable, easing their transition to school.
Fine and gross motor skills: Opportunities for physical play (climbing, catching, painting) and activities that build dexterity are provided. These are critical for school readiness.
Emotional regulation: Children receive assistance in developing self-confidence, empathy, and value in the world around them.
Numeracy and literacy foundations: Counting, basic shapes, and alphabet games are included in a way that aligns with both Martu culture and formal schooling expectations.
Bilingual approach: Martu wangka (language) is used in songs, stories, and KJ's language resources to support Aboriginal language preservation.
Learning at their own pace: Children explore freely, building their creativity and imagination in a culturally safe environment.

Back to the 5 Domains

Indigenous early childhood education: Martu children visit community school, learning ABCs in classroom, fostering smooth transition to formal education | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous early childhood education: Confident Martu toddlers exploring community school classroom, supporting a smooth transition to formal education | KJ Women and Families Program

“All playgroup kids are the kids doing really well. They come to school for half a day, and then they go to playgroup. I’ve noticed increased attention, an ability to focus, and improved overall social skills in the classroom.”

Jigalong Classroom teacher, Kindergarten/Pre-Primary/Year 1

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

212 playgroup sessions were held.

6 Martu children started school transition.

84 Martu children attended the program.

15 Martu children attended transition to school visits.

Indigenous early childhood education: Martu child proudly displays colourful paper plate bird craft, demonstrating Indigenous language learning and cultural knowledge transfer through creative activities | KJ's Women and Families Program

Indigenous early childhood development: Martu toddlers enhance balance and motor skills on outdoor balance beams | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous early childhood education: Martu toddler develops fine motor skills through creative painting activity | KJ Women and Families Program

“Kids who go to playgroup are happy. They play, they do activities, they learn to make things. This helps them get ready for big school. It gives the kids confidence to learn school ways. It helped me a lot when I was little.”

Revina Dunn, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 3

Our program provides meaningful employment opportunities for Martu caregivers across the four Martu communities.

Martu Employment

Indigenous employment: Martu Elder and caregiver provide cultural education, teaching a child traditional bush tucker skills and witchetty grub hunting on-Country | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous Employment: Martu caregivers facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer through cultural education during on-Country camps | KJ Women and Families Program

Key benefits:

Indigenous employment: Martu caregiver supports early childhood development by engaging toddler with building blocks, fostering fine motor skills and problem-solving abilities | KJ Women and Families Program

Meaningful employment: Employment opportunities are designed to align with Martu values, allowing women to work in roles that reflect their cultural responsibilities.
Skill development: Caregivers can develop skills, confidence, and knowledge, in both Martu culture and the mainstream world and thereby contribute to their community, care for family and care for Country.
Financial independence: The program assists caregivers, primarily women, by providing reliable sources of income, empowering them to support their families and strengthen their economic well-being.

Back to the 5 Domains

Indigenous Employment: Martu caregiver teaches traditional bush tucker skills through honey ant hunting, supporting cultural knowledge transfer | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous Employment: Martu caregiver supports early childhood development, guiding toddlers’ fine motor skills with bead abacus and wooden blocks | KJ Women and Families Program

“It’s good to work hard. It's good to help out. The mothers are learning what we do here. We support each other and learn from the staff. We also learn what the other communities are doing, getting ideas and trying them here at playgroup.”

Trisha Dalbin, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

Jigalong women began 3a (Abecedarian Approach Australia) training, improving their skills in Aboriginal early childhood education with plans underway to expand training to the other communities.

137 Martu (123 women and 14 men) employed.

Indigenous Employment: Martu caregiver guides toddler in creative learning activity, painting designs on canvas bags | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous employment: Martu caregiver promotes early childhood development through musical play with xylophone | KJ Women and Families Program

“I like the program. Helping the kids and being there for them. It makes me happy, and I enjoy it.”

Kara Patch, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 4

Working with the KJ Women's Leadership Program, caregivers develop confidence and knowledge, empowering Martu women to speak up, advocate for positive changes, and influence decisions that impact their children and families.

Martu Leadership

Key benefits:

Indigenous Leadership: Martu women and trainer collaborate at Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) workshop with Telethon Kids Institute, developing culturally appropriate healthcare approaches | KJ Women and Families Program

Speaking up: Caregivers build confidence and leadership skills to be able to speak up and advocate for families and communities.
Strengthened community voice: Martu caregivers are supported to engage directly with service providers, ensuring their voices are heard and respected, and shifting the dynamic to a more equitable exchange.
Kujungkarrini (Partnerships): Build strong relationships with agencies, creating opportunities for collaborative problem-solving to address family and community challenges.
Cultural leadership for future generations: Children see their caregivers as leaders, fostering aspirations and reinforcing the importance of Martu cultural knowledge and values.
Ownership and governance: Through this program, Martu families work towards full ownership and governance of the Women and Families Program, ensuring it remains culturally relevant and community-driven.

Back to the 5 Domains

Aboriginal Family Health Education: Dr. Andre Schultz presents on asthma and rheumatic heart disease to Martu women, promoting Indigenous health awareness | KJ Women and Families Program

“We have some young girls starting to learn and grow with us. It’s not just about us; it’s about getting all the girls ready through training and leadership programs.”

Trisha Dalbin, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

KJ Martu employee with raised hands icon representing confidence gained through public speaking skills | KJ Women and Families Program

7 Martu caregivers visited Wakathuni Community's playgroup, gaining insights from another Aboriginal community's approach to early childhood education.

5 younger women who joined this trip boosted their confidence through their first public speaking experience.

Indigenous Leadership: KJ Women and Families Program team visits Wakathuni community for cross-community insights into Aboriginal early childhood education approaches.

Indigenous Leadership: Martu woman presents during cross-community learning trip, sharing insights on Aboriginal early childhood education approaches | KJ Women and Families Program

“We went to Tom Price
and visited Wakathuni community and the youth centre. We also went to school. The young girls spoke up—they were shaking from nerves. They talked up and shared what they do in playgroup. We were proud.”

Beth Jeffries, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 5

The program provides an opportunity for caregivers to collaborate with health agencies to address crucial health issues in their communities, focusing particularly on children and young people.

Maternal and Child Health

Aboriginal Family Health: Child health nurse visits playgroup for early health screenings | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous Family Health: Martu women prepare nutritious meals for playgroup, promoting healthy eating habits | KJ Women and Families Program

Key benefits:

On-Country Learning: Martu Elders teach child traditional bush tucker hunting techniques, preserving Aboriginal food knowledge and promoting healthy eating | KJ Women and Families Program

Raising awareness: Enhances understanding of key maternal and child health issues within the Martu community.
Healthy eating: Martu caregivers learn to cook healthy meals that they can incorporate into their homes.
Partnerships with health agencies: Martu caregivers build trust and relationships with Western health professionals fostering two way learning and ensuring programs are culturally appropriate.
Traditional health knowledge: Martu teach younger caregivers how to collect, process, and use bush medicines.
Safe spaces: On-Country camps provide culturally safe environments for Martu women to discuss sensitive topics openly, share experience and knowledge, and have support.

Back to the 5 Domains

Aboriginal Health: Martu caregiver and baby bond in creek during on-country health camp, fostering indigenous cultural connection. | KJ Women and Families Program

“Thank you so much to the wonderful Martu women who talked with us about what mums need during pregnancy, and what bubs need to grow up healthy and strong. Martu women’s voices are so important—they provide us with the right information so we can understand what needs to be done to make things better for mums and bubs in the Western Desert communities. We are so grateful for their contributions, and talking to the Martu women was a highlight of this year.”

Telethon Kids Research Institute Staff Member

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

16 women met with Telethon Kids Research Institute and PAMS to discuss child health initiatives such as “Tracking Cube”.

Regular visits by Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) child health nurse to playgroups.

8 Martu women participated in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness training, enhancing community knowledge and supporting Aboriginal maternal health initiatives.

35 women and young girls attended an on-Country sexual health camp, promoting culturally appropriate health education.

Indigenous Health Education: Martu community members participate in sexual health workshop during on-Country camp, promoting culturally-appropriate health awareness | KJ Women and Families Program

Indigenous Health Education: Martu Elder and health professional present sexual health workshop during on-country camp | KJ Women and Families Program

“When you come together as women, you speak about certain things. You can see the big picture: what is the problem, how can we solve this together.”

Martu Participant, On-Country Sexual Health Camp

Wantikajaku Jijikajaku: For women + Children

Helping Martu families and communities support their kids to learn, grow, and develop into confident Martu adults.

Our Journey

The 5 Domains

The KJ Women and Families Program is guided by five key domains, developed by Martu. These guide the program’s strategies and activities to fit with Martu culture and address community needs.

Martu Employment

Martu Leadership

Health

Martu Culture

Early Years Education

DOMAIN 1

Teach, learn and retain Martu cultural knowledge

Key benefits:

“We take the kids out on-Country and teach them about bush tucker, tracks, trees, and water. We also tell them the Martu names. They ask a lot of questions, and we answer and show them.”

Heather Samson, KJ Senior Cultural Advisor

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

“In the program, we teach the kids, we tell them stories, sitting around the campfire, so the kids can be ninti (knowledgeable). We teach them what’s good to eat and collect bush medicine. We want the children to be strong in their future.”

Louise Jeffries, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 2

Intercultural Early Years Preparation

Key benefits:

“All playgroup kids are the kids doing really well. They come to school for half a day, and then they go to playgroup. I’ve noticed increased attention, an ability to focus, and improved overall social skills in the classroom.”

Jigalong Classroom teacher, Kindergarten/Pre-Primary/Year 1

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

“Kids who go to playgroup are happy. They play, they do activities, they learn to make things. This helps them get ready for big school. It gives the kids confidence to learn school ways. It helped me a lot when I was little.”

Revina Dunn, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 3

Martu Employment

Key benefits:

“It’s good to work hard. It's good to help out. The mothers are learning what we do here. We support each other and learn from the staff. We also learn what the other communities are doing, getting ideas and trying them here at playgroup.”

Trisha Dalbin, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

“I like the program. Helping the kids and being there for them. It makes me happy, and I enjoy it.”

Kara Patch, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 4

Martu Leadership

Key benefits:

“We have some young girls starting to learn and grow with us. It’s not just about us; it’s about getting all the girls ready through training and leadership programs.”

Trisha Dalbin, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

“We went to Tom Price and visited Wakathuni community and the youth centre. We also went to school. The young girls spoke up—they were shaking from nerves. They talked up and shared what they do in playgroup. We were proud.”

Beth Jeffries, KJ Women and Families Program Caregiver

DOMAIN 5

Maternal and Child Health

Key benefits:

Telethon Kids Research Institute Staff Member

Creating change together: Our impact in 2023/2024

“When you come together as women, you speak about certain things. You can see the big picture: what is the problem, how can we solve this together.”

Martu Participant, On-Country Sexual Health Camp

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“We went to Tom Price
and visited Wakathuni community and the youth centre. We also went to school. The young girls spoke up—they were shaking from nerves. They talked up and shared what they do in playgroup. We were proud.”