Culture, identity and healing

Elder Aunty Kym is a respected leader whose wisdom, compassion, and cultural insight shape her work as HIPPY Coordinator at Maryborough.

Aunty Kym first connected with HIPPY five years ago as an Elder sharing stories with children and has since become a valued guiding presence for families and Tutors in the community.

In an interview below, she reflects on her HIPPY journey and how culture and her own personal experience have shaped her work.

My HIPPY journey started about five years ago when I was invited by the Hervey Bay HIPPY team to read a story as an Elder at one of their Gatherings in the park. I immediately connected with the program and stayed in touch.

I very much liked the program and stayed in contact with the team (from 2020). I haven’t looked back.

When the Coordinator position opened up at the new Maryborough site with Moonaboola Community Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation (MCDATSIC) in 2024, I saw it as a perfect opportunity, and I haven’t looked back.

My background includes education, governance, First Nations mental health and wellbeing, trauma-informed care, cultural healing, and ministry, all of which have shaped my approach to this role.

When asked about her approach to building relationships with diverse families in the Maryborough community, she replied:

Building trust starts with respect, open communication, and understanding local culture. As someone with Aboriginal and Melanesian heritage, living and working in Maryborough for many years, I know that relationships here are built on genuine connection.

Let your life be the testimony to others… and just like that it becomes a ripple effect

The “Murri Grapevine” is important. Word of mouth and community respect go a long way. Using inclusive language, positive body language, and being approachable helps families feel comfortable to share and participate.

My upbringing taught me that faith, culture, and integrity are core values that create a ripple effect in the community.

As a new site, we focus on getting to know our team, families, and local partners. By building relationships and listening to feedback from home visits and Gatherings, we learn about the unique skills and passions of everyone involved. This helps us create opportunities for families to connect, share, and grow together.

Networking and promoting HIPPY at community events also helps us build strong partnerships and support networks.

Combine this with our family/families Enrolment Form information and the feedback from families through home visits and Gatherings it will reveal some deadly people and exciting opportunities.

Aunty Kym is passionate about ensuring children and families are acknowledged as individuals and feel supported, heard and included:

I love the monthly Gathering event when all HIPPY families come together to celebrate different themes. While weather can sometimes affect attendance, we always aim to create a welcoming space for families to connect and learn. Some of my favourite activities so far have included cultural walkabout hunts, community garden visits with painting and planting, clapstick making, didgeridoo playing, and a special mothers’ celebration where children painted their parents’ nails and shopped for gifts at our HIPPY store.

Every child and family bring something unique to the program, and part of my role is to help families adapt activities so every child can participate and thrive. We work closely with parents to support their children’s learning and emotional needs, recognising that everyone learns and expresses themselves differently.

What makes this work so special is recognising that every child is unique and sometimes needs a different approach to learning or expressing themselves. We work closely with families to adapt and support each child’s needs, helping everyone grow together.

Recently, I visited ‘Acts for Kids,’ a local organisation supporting families, and sitting in their giant lounge chair made of soft toys, reminded of the importance of creating safe and calming environments.

On being asked what the most rewarding part of her work is, Aunty says:

The most rewarding part of HIPPY is seeing families and children grow and achieve, no matter how small the steps.

We celebrate each achievement no matter how big or small, it is important. We become a HIPPY family and part of their healing journey, their growth, their story.

I love being part of their healing journey and watching them gain confidence. The cuddles, giggles, and hugs from children, especially those who are non-verbal, are priceless.

Teaching cultural knowledge and seeing First Nations families participate and have fun together keeps me passionate and inspired.

On being asked about whether she had a story about a family or Tutor that has really stayed with her, Aunty Kim shared this with us:

One story that really touched my heart is about a young girl named Amara*, who is non-verbal and was recently diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and global developmental delay.

At a HIPPY Gathering, Amara wasn’t interested in group activities at first, but I had walked with her and her mum, making them both feel supported.

Later, Amara was not ready to finish up at pack down time. In her mother's words: "she was having so much fun playing with the activities that was provided. Amara wasn’t ready to end the fun so she ended up having a 'moment', which is what we call her meltdowns."

Our HIPPY Tutor carried Amara to the car while softly talking to her to regulate her emotions, allowing the mother to get ready for the drive back home. Which helped the mother get into a better mind space to drive home safely.

The HIPPY team’s kindness and support make families feel like part of a bigger family. As Amara's mum shared,

The HIPPY team are great with not only supporting us families but are so kind and caring they make you feel as part of their family.

Aunty Kim works as HIPPY Coordinator at HIPPY Maryborough, a program delivered by Moonaboola Community Development Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation. For more information on MCSATSIC, visit their website and Instagram page .

Aunty Kim is one of over 100 HIPPY Coordinators that work tirelessly to welcome, empower and support families across Australia.