Indigo Interview: A loved career in early childhood education

MARGARET Carey was born in the NSW country town of Yass and lived in Sydney for many years. When she and her husband retired, the couple eventually settled in Stanley in 2023, drawn to the area for its music, art and natural beauty. What did you do workwise? My last role was as a director of a community based long daycare centre, but I have had various roles throughout my working life including being part of the original Sustainable Schools Program and at another time running art programs for under five-year old's based on a Reggio Emilia approach. What brought you to your role/career? After finishing at the National Art School in Sydney, I worked as a as a cook in the early childhood sector and was in awe of the way educators ran the educational program and interacted with the children. I drew much of my parenting from what I had seen in action. I also worked as a corporate services officer for Community Childcare Cooperative (now known as Community Early Learning Australia) then took on the role of director engaging in education, sustainability, connecting with nature and art. We developed a rewarding kitchen garden program and beach kinder program. What did you love about your work? Children and their joyful spontaneity, their humour and their wonderful imagination. Every day when you go to work you feel like a rock star as you are greeted by very enthusiastic and loving children. There were many challenges in the role, but it always felt meaningful and profoundly moving, particularly when you were able help a child or family in need. What do you do in the community? I have spent a substantial part of my life working for or in community-based organisations. When the community was starting a playgroup in Stanley, I threw my hat in the ring because I thought I could help in a positive way. I am also involved with the group Stanley artists which will be having an exhibition in late April. Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing? I have been watching from afar the current issue with the Beechworth Childhood and Early Years Learning Centre. My background is community-based services, and I am appalled that Indigo Council seems to be removing the parent management committee, which is the absolute centre of connection with the immediate community. The council, for some inexplicable reason and in direct contradiction to their own guiding principles, want to hand governance to an organisation that is not even part of the Indigo Shire. Currently there is a highly suitable and qualified governance body, one very connected with the community it serves and with the educators who run the centre. Why would the council wish to destroy that important relationship? They should be listening to the families and educators and have the best interests of the children as the priority. What would you do to solve change, improve that situation? I would ensure that the current model stays in place and continues with the expansion plan that the parent management committee already has. It would ensure more places for children and a continued connection with the community. What do you see as one of the important current world issues? Greed. It seems that many people place money above all else. Such a narrow perspective diminishes, not only the breadth of human experience, but the world that we are responsible for. If unchecked the fallout will be environmental and social disaster. If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire (past or present), or was already here, who would that be, what would you show them, and why? I would have loved for my parents if they were still alive, to see the beautiful spot we live in. They would have loved it. What book are you reading? ‘The City of Lost Intentions’ by A. Valliard, described as ‘a guide for the artistically waylaid’.

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