Mowanjum-Derby

At HIPPY Mowanjum-Derby up in the north of Western Australia, HIPPY Coordinator Shallu and her team have worked to ensure that community and culture are at the centre of their local HIPPY program. Read Shallu's story below to hear how they've shaped the program utilising the team's experience, connections and strengths to respect and support the local community.

Earlier this year, Shallu became the Coordinator for the HIPPY program at Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation, embarking on a new chapter for the community. Having a personal connection to the program, as her own son is a participant, Shallu brought a deep understanding and passion to the role.

In early 2025, Shallu travelled to Melbourne for her pre-service training, where her enthusiasm was immediately apparent. She embraced the core HIPPY model but also recognised the importance of adapting it to suit her local community. Working closely with her Site Advisor, the program's delivery became a co-design process, blending HIPPY's proven approach with local knowledge and cultural practices.

Shallu's team includes Bernice, an early childhood expert, and Janet, a respected local elder and grandmother with considerable HIPPY experience. Together, they run the Ngungas Playgroup, a vital space for families to connect and learn.

A key strength of the program is its partnership with Connected Beginnings Playgroups. The teams now plan and run Gatherings together, providing families with opportunities to connect and build positive learning environments. Each week, they adapt HIPPY's activity packs into experiences that reflect the lives of local children. This includes weaving in felt stories created with families, which feature animals and symbols from the community, such as barramundi and lizards.

This approach sparks children's imaginations and strengthens their connection to Country and culture. For Shallu, HIPPY is more than just a job; it’s a way to empower families and connect them to one another.

"We’ve found ways to make the program work for our community while still keeping the heart of the HIPPY model," Shallu says. This flexibility has allowed the program to thrive, ensuring children develop a love of learning early and that families feel supported.

Part of HIPPY's strength lies in the opportunities it creates for communities to make it their own. Guided by the families and communities it works for and with, HIPPY harnesses local connections, resources and services to empower and provide holistic support.

The Mowanjum Derby HIPPY story is a powerful reminder that when a program listens to its community and adapts with respect, everyone benefits.

Find out more about the work of Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation by visiting their website and their Facebook page .