This historical timeline has been included to demonstrate the commitment, determination and sustainability of Koobara and the people leading it.
2018
The establishment of the Koobara Bush Tucker Garden. Brisbane North Primary Health Network and Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) – Occupational Therapists and Speech Pathologists “Plan for School Readiness” program. Chelsea Rolfe presented a paper on “Why Koobara” at the World Indigenous Education Research Conference in Norway. PMC granted Funding to start the Digital History of Koobara & establish website. Melissa Meehan joined staff. Rebecca Walsh and Rosemarie Mason...
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2017
Launch of the “Deadly Kindies Campaign” by the Ambassador Jonathan Thurston and the Hon Kate Jones MP Minister for Education. Duncan Roma & Vicki McLeod joined staff.
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2016
Launch of the “Deadly Ears, Deadly Futures Program” at Koobara. Officially opened by the State Minister for Health Mr Cameron Dick MP. Joanne Claybourn (long-term Staff Member) retired. Current Co-Director Chelsea Rolfe joined staff.
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2015
Successful with our New Funding under the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet “Children and Schooling Programme”.
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2014
Koobara was the runner-up for the Reconciliation Trophy. Koobara Celebrated our 40 years Anniversary. Koobara was successful in grant funding for the purchase and installation of the Administration Demountable.
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2013
Koobara was on the front page of the Bedrock Early Childhood Journal – Article was “Breaking down the Barriers”. Koobara Children’s Bio Bin project was displayed in the Queensland Museum for 7 weeks. Koobara starts to compile its History (Uncle Lewis & Auntie Ruth Hegarty).
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2012
Joanne presented training to Early Childhood Services and Staff in Bamaga. Ruby McHugh (Long term Staff Member) retired. Ruth Roma joined staff.
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2009
Koobara started the annual community breakfast for the remembrance of the anniversary of the Apology.
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2008
Children and Staff of Koobara attended the PCYC at Zillmere to watch and share the Apology to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Commencement of Indigenous Children’s Program (ICP) “Early Intervention Program”.
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2007
Commencement of Prep in Queensland and the start of Pre-prep in Koobara. Tashina Moore joined the staff.
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2004
Koobara celebrated our 30 years of operation and service to the Brisbane Northside Community under the heading “Standing Strong, deadly and Proud in Culture for our Children and Community”. Jenny Coleman (Long-term Staff Member) retired.
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2002
Joanne Claybourn attended the Worlds Indigenous Peoples Education Conference – “Early Childhood Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education in an Urban setting”.
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2000
Brisbane City Council & Training Queensland – Establishment of yarning circle and Bushtucker Garden. Uncle Lewis Orcher ceased employment with Koobara Kindergarten.
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1998
Linda McBride-Yuke elected as President. Joanne Claybourn (Director) joined the staff.
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1996-1997
Construction commences on 421 Beams Road (Kindergarten Building). The current Kindergarten & Pre-prep building was opened by the Federal Member for Lilley Ms Elizabeth Grace. Koobara Family Resource Centre closes due to a change of government. Conservative government won election and abolished the Family Support Program.
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1995
Finalisation of Koobara’s 5-year Development Plan. Finalisation of Lobbying and securing funding for a private developer who in turn contracted a builder to build the Kindergarten on 421 Beams Road, Zillmere.
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1994
Following a Community consultation process and facilitated off-site workshops, UNUNGABO the Community Development Plan was produced.
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1993
Michael Rilley appointed President of Koobara. The Family Support phase of Koobara started with the employment of a Welfare Officer – Uncle Lewis Orcher.
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1987
Koobara’s current Co-Director, Gloria Rankine, joined the staff as an administration assistant. Koobara Incorporated under Queensland Association Act 1981. Charlie Watson appointed President of Koobara in 1989.
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1984
Koobara granted Provisional Affiliation with Creche and Kindergarten Association of Queensland - Operating 5 days a week with 33 children.
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1978
The first community event was held, and funding was received from the Queensland Department of Aboriginal and Islander Advancement who paid grants to the Creche and Kindergarten Association of Queensland to manage the day-to-day operations.
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1975
Koobara’s first Constitution was written and the mobile kindy commenced operating out of Zillmere Church Hall after successful fundraising efforts from Aunties and families in North Brisbane.
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1974
The beginnings of Koobara with Aunty Melita and Auntie Ruth gaining momentum to establish an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Kindergarten in Zillmere.
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1973
Auntie Melita Orcher and Auntie Ruth Hegarty greeted each other on the rail overpass at Zillmere. Auntie Melita spoke to Auntie Ruth about the frustration her and other Families were having over mainstream Childcare and Kindergarten Services not catering for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.
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