When we share knowledge and work together, we can transform any challenge.
Last year, this approach led to a unique partnership in Kununurra, Western Australia. The first of its kind in our sector.
Now, we are shaping another in Kowanyama – a remote community in far north Queensland (QLD).
The place of many waters
Kowanyama is known as the place of many waters. Home to the Kokoberra, Yir Yoront (or Kokomenjen) and Kunjen clans. It is a town of 1,000 people. More than 85% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander*.
Demand for early education and care
A lack of childcare in the area has limited opportunities to re-enter the workforce, especially for women. Accessing allied health services can also be challenging. The nearest major city is 600 kilometres away. The Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council (Council) understood the need for an Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) service.
The start of the solution
In 2023, the Council secured funding through the Community Child Care Fund Restricted (CCCFR) Expansion Program, under the Closing the Gap reform.
The following year, a purpose-built facility was constructed on the grounds of the local school. During this time, One Tree crossed paths with the Council at a CCCFR meeting. We operate several services under CCCFR funding streams. This includes our partnership in Kununurra with the Wunan Foundation (Wunan). The Council discovered the work we were doing in the West. They could see the possibilities – how local experts could effectively partner with ECEC specialists.
Partnering with Wunan
Wunan is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) in the East Kimberley. Together, we developed a collaborative approach to establish a new ECEC service. Wunan’s cultural understanding guided each stage of development. Our ECEC capabilities ensured the service met national regulations and laws.
One Tree Wunan service
The One Tree Wunan Garndim-banjelng Badang Yarrawoo Menewoolbtha Children’s Service opened in 2025. This is the first service to open under the CCCFR Expansion Program in the country. The service name was developed by the local language centre. It translates to “growing strong roots for strong futures”. Over the coming years, we will gradually transition the service to Wunan. We will support this ACCO to become an approved provider.
Wunan CEO Prue Jenkins said, “We would strongly recommend One Tree to other Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations wanting to build capacity and skills in the delivery of their own early years programs.”
Discovering the possibilities
In October 2024, we were invited to tender for the Kowanyama Early Learning Centre (ELC). We were selected to license and run the service, with the aim of transitioning to a local ACCO over time. Together, we began to co-design our partnership and shared plans for the service with the community.
Engaging with community
Our team first visited Kowanyama during the tender process. This included one of our educators whose husband and family are from the region. We received a warm welcome and have continued to strengthen our connections with the community ever since. Local engagement is the key to shaping the service to community needs.
The Connect Program
To strengthen our service delivery, we were encouraged to take on the local Kowanyama Connect Program. Funded by the Queensland Department of Education, it aims to improve early years outcomes. The One Tree Connect Program will help detect the needs of children and connect families to local support.
Kowanyama Early Learning Centre
The Kowanyama ELC will offer 22 places. Priority access will be provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It is anticipated the service will open in late 2025.
This article was originally published in our 2025 annual report: shaping communities together. Read the full report here.
