Hundreds of children from across the state's Central West will fill the Dubbo Convention Centre today to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day.
All 700 tickets sold out well in advance of the event for children aged 0-5 years, which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and connection to family and community and is run by the NSW Department of Education.
Actor and Wiradjuri man Luke Carroll will host the event, with children bopping along to performances by Emma Memma and Elvin Melvin, as well as stars of Play School on ABC.
Parents, carers and early childhood educators can connect with Aboriginal run community organisations and hear about early learning services and accessing local health organisations in the area.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day theme for 2025 is 'Little Footsteps, Big Future', aligning with the focus for NSW Public Education Week, which kicks off today and encourages all students to 'Ignite Your Potential'.
The popular Dubbo event supports the NSW Department of Education's First Steps Strategy, which is committed to all Aboriginal children in NSW having access to high quality and culturally appropriate education, empowering them to embrace their culture and identity and providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
The 2025-2026 Budget expanded the First Steps Strategy with an investment of more than $200 million to improve Aboriginal children's participation in early childhood education and increase the number of Aboriginal-owned and controlled early learning centres.
NSW Department of Education spokesperson Natasa Mitic, Executive Director, Quality Participation and Connections said:
"We're very excited to see so many children, early childhood educators and families here to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day.
"Today's event booked out early, showing how people want to be a part of this wonderful chance to see friends, build new relationships and celebrate Aboriginal children's connection with family and community.
"It's wonderful that this important day coincides with the launch of Public Education Week in NSW.
"This year's Public Education Week theme 'Ignite Your Potential' dovetails beautifully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day focus on 'Little Footsteps, Big Future' and highlights the NSW Department of Education's commitment to help our students reach their potential from preschool to Year 12."
