Where it all began…
Gordon and Betty Ewin were pioneers in Kununurra from 1968 to 1979. Betty taught at the local school and held various leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Women’s Action Group and President of the Country Women’s Association. She served eight years as President of the Parents and Citizens Association and was the founding President of Scouts in Kununurra. Betty played a key role in securing funding for the original Ewin Centre, advocating to the Sir Charles Court Government for a community space to support women in remote areas.
The Ewin Centre was established as a meeting place for women’s groups, childcare, and a temporary refuge for families from outlying stations needing medical care. At that time, Kununurra had no waiting room at its demountable hospital, leaving women with nowhere affordable to stay during childbirth.
Gordon, among other things, was the local United Church minister and Chairperson of the Kununurra Progress Association.
The Ewins left Kununurra in 1979, as there was no high school for their eldest son, just before the Ewin Centre opened in 1981, and named in Betty’s honor. In 1981, Ewin Centre Children’s Services began offering Long Day Care, later expanding to after-school and vacation care. In August 2007, the service moved to a new facility on Chestnut Drive, funded by Lotterywest, State and Local Government.
Today, the Ewin Early Learning Centre operates as a not-for-profit community organisation, managed by a General Manager and a committee of parents and community members, supported by an amazing team of enthusiastic and dedicated educators and staff, providing quality childcare to families in and around Kununurra.
Our Philosophy
“A Safe Space to Wonder and Grow”
At Ewin Early Learning Inc, we are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment where children can wonder, learn, and grow. Our centre serves as a home away from home, fostering a sense of belonging and community in the beautiful setting of Kununurra.
We believe in the importance of building strong, respectful relationships with children and families, forming an extension of family within our local community.
Key Principles
Child-centred Approach
Our values are deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We provide a nurturing environment where children feel valued, respected, and empowered to explore their interests and passions.
Guided by EYLF
Our programs and practices are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) principles of Being, Belonging, and Becoming. We recognise the importance of fostering children’s sense of identity, connection with others, and ongoing learning and development.
Encouraging Children’s Voices and Choices
We prioritise children’s voices and choices in our educational programs, fostering autonomy, curiosity, and self-expression. Through meaningful learning experiences, children develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their community, and the world around them.
Play-Based Learning
Our play-based learning environments are designed to ignite children’s imagination, creativity, and love for learning. We create diverse and engaging experiences that promote independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence as children engage in purposeful play.
Connection with Nature
We believe in the importance of connecting children with the natural world. Through gardening, interactions with local wildlife, and sustainable practices, we instil a sense of empathy, respect, and responsibility for the environment from an early age.
Community Engagement
By fostering partnerships between the centre, families, and the broader community, you’re creating a supportive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued. Incorporating various aspects of culture, such as language, traditions, art, and music, into everyday life enriches the experiences of all members of the community. Through active engagement and learning from different cultural practices, you not only promote inclusivity but also cultivate a more vibrant and harmonious society. This approach ensures that everyone feels respected, understood, and welcomed, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being for all members of the Ewin community.
Our Style Story
Our logomark story is that of shelter, river and growth. It encompasses our dedication to nurturing our children, their individual and continual improvement and growth within Kununurra and surrounds in which they live.
The colour inspiration is of the East Kimberley and its natural environment – with blue representing the significant Ord River.
Community Involvement
We are fortunate to be a part of a vibrant tight-knit community. Community engagement is important to us and is encouraged in many different ways.
Within the Centre itself, we encourage contributions to our Environmental Sustainability policy by the donation of goods and recyclable items to our ‘Creation Station’ that can be utilised for imaginative play, arts and crafts activities and more.
We have built a positive relationship with the Department of Parks and Wildlife, facilitating visits with animals and reptiles. We also collect and freeze Cane Toads which are then taken away for research and testing.
The Miriwoong Language Nest weekly visits aim to share and promote our local culture with the children. They include cultural experiences such as learning the language, sharing stories, art and dance.
We are a committed member of the East Kimberley Early Years Network which allows local organisations and agencies to work together to reach the best possible outcomes for all children in our community.
We encourage staff and families are welcome to spend time in the Centre by offering skills, talents or interests they have or helping out around the Centre.
Our Committee
The Ewin Early Learning Centre Inc. is a not-for-profit community group operating a long day-care Centre in Kununurra. Being a member of the Committee provides families with a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the Centre.
Our Committee have overarching responsibility for the successful operation of the service and work as a team, with every member encouraged to participate.
The Committee’s role is to provide guidance and support on strategic and policy issues to ensure the Centre provides a level of service that meets community expectations, that the Centre is compliant with all legal requirements, and remains financially viable.
The Committee delegates day-to-day responsibility and management to the General Manager and Management Team, whilst providing them with direct support.
The Committee is made up of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and 3 general members.
Early childhood education and care providers have specific legal obligations. These obligations are upheld by certain people. These people are ‘persons with management or control of the provider’ (PMC). To learn more, visit the Department of Education.
If you would like to know more about joining Our Committee, please email secretary@ewinelc.org.au
