NSW Early Years

Nature Connections

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

Educators in the NSW Early Years Nature Connections Network would like to show respect and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as Traditional Custodians of the land, waterways and skies.

​We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging. On our nature walks and teachings with children, we acknowledge the land always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

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The Story Behind the Wattle

Written by Dr Sue Elliott
The Acacia or wattle is indigenous to Australia and well known for its’ showy yellow flowers, emblematic of the green and gold national colours. There are around 1000 species of Acacia in Australia and this number reflects the rich diversity of nature play programs for children, perhaps variations on a common theme of child-directed play outdoors in natural settings. There is an Acacia species in flower across every season in Australia, this aligns with the all year round and all weathers approach to children’s outdoor programs. The wattle’s yellow flower balls are arranged in different ways in different species, but the image chosen here depicts flowers as unique individuals akin to young children.

​ The stages of blossoming are illustrated and we know such blossoming occurs over time in nature play programs where new challenges and discoveries inspire much learning. There are two major leaf forms among Acacia species, the phyllodinous leathery type well adapted to Australia’s arid climate and the pinnate or feathery types which are more shade tolerant. The phyllodinous type leaves could be the resilient educators, sun tolerant, so well adapted to outdoor learning environments and dispersed among the flowers scaffolding their learning.

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Explore Our Upcoming Events

29 August 2026

2026 Conference

Join us on Saturday, 29th August 2026, as NSW Early Years Nature Connections presents our conference, “Nature Play and Sustainability – Connecting People and Planet”. This event is designed to inspire early years educators and primary school teachers who are passionate about connecting children with nature and sustainability. Engage in a day of enriching professional learning, drawing on the expertise of leading Australian and international academics alongside experienced early childhood and primary practitioners. This conference promotes critical dialogue and meaningful knowledge exchange among educators at all stages of integrating nature pedagogy and sustainability into their practice. We are thrilled to have Karen Anderson from Balnarring Preschool, Dr Rachel Jones, and Dr Karen Tonge as keynote speakers, providing valuable insights on collaborating with First Nations perspectives and the Risky Play Statement for Young Australian Children. Additionally, Dr Sue Elliott and Professor Eva Arlmalm-Hagser will discuss the significance of climate change, sustainability, and nature play. Whether you are new to nature pedagogy or a seasoned practitioner, this conference offers diverse opportunities to enhance your understanding and implementation of nature play and sustainable practices. Be part of this transformative experience and contribute to a growing community dedicated to fostering deeper connections between children […]

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Prince Henry Centre, 2 Coast Hospital Rd
Little Bay, NSW 2036 Australia
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About NSW Early Years Nature Connections

Provides a platform for like minded educators to network. We share experiences, professional learning, readings and resources. We believe in fostering children’s connections with nature through play and promoting the importance of learning in natural environments.

Our network includes educators of all levels of experience and qualifications. Some of us have been venturing ‘out the gate’ with children for years while others are just beginning. Our nature play spaces vary from national parks to paddocks to beaches to tiny patches of green in urban landscapes.

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