By Tate Papworth
Children at Goodstart Early Learning Sydenham were paid a special visit last week.
Recently anointed NAIDOC Person of the Year Dean Duncan conducted a smoking ceremony for the children.
“Essentially, it’s to cleanse the place and provide a safe, caring, nurturing environment for the kids,” Mr Duncan said.
“It reassures parents, as well, that they’re coming to a centre that provides that … and more importantly it gets rid of all the negativity surrounding us in the community.”
Mr Duncan said his recent award came as a surprise, but meant the world to him.
“It holds a lot of significance within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” he said.
“I love coming to places like this and educating, so to be recognised for it is fantastic.
“Education has always been a personal passion of mine. Growing up in the bush, I wasn’t allowed to go to the local school because I was Aboriginal.
“I even had to wait until I was about 12 years old until I was allowed to swim in the town, so education around respect and different cultures is close to my heart.”
