When people ask me why I chose Logan to offer free Bush Kindy programs, I often smile because the answer is simple: Logan chose us.
Beginnings
My earliest memories are filled with dirt under fingernails and bark-scratched knees. Growing up on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria, I found joy in climbing trees, building cubbies, digging tunnels, and chasing lizards. These weren't just childhood adventures - they were the beginning of a lifelong journey in outdoor education.
This passion found its professional roots in 2011 at Batman Park Kindergarten in Northcote, Victoria. There, on Wurundjeri Country along the beautiful Merri Creek, we developed Bush Kindy programs that continue to thrive over a decade later. Those years taught me the transformative power of connecting children with nature in culturally respectful ways.
When our family moved to Loganholme in January 2019, we discovered Logan's hidden treasures. Exploring the diverse bushland with our children on Yugambeh and Jagera Country revealed not just beautiful locations, but a vibrant multicultural community hungry for nature connection. While Logan often makes headlines for its challenges, these stories miss the heart of this place - the incredible resilience, tight-knit community spirit, and the way people here lift each other up.
Why Free Matters
The journey began in 2021 during my time as a Community Connector at Kingston East Neighbourhood Group (KENG) and Logan Together. Seeing Logan's underutilised green spaces, I reached out to the community to understand why these beautiful areas weren't being used. Through many conversations, I discovered hundreds of families eager for guided nature-based learning - they simply wanted the confidence of having a qualified facilitator lead the way.
Seeing the need for accessible nature-based education in Logan, I developed a proposal for Logan's first free Bush Kindy program. KENG embraced the vision and supported the launch of the program at Daisy Hill Conservation Park in May 2021.
Making the program free wasn't just a nice idea - it was essential. In Logan, where many families and carers struggle with basic expenses, charging fees would create yet another barrier to accessing quality early childhood education. Through KENG's support, we were able to make the program accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
After two years of successfully running the program under KENG's banner alongside my community connector role, I made the pivotal decision in 2023 to dedicate myself fully to these sessions. With KENG's continued partnership and support for funding opportunities, plus unwavering encouragement from my family and countless hours writing grant submissions, Bush Kindy Teaching was born. This transition to operating as a sole trader, while maintaining our vital partnership with KENG, allowed us to expand our vision of bringing free nature-based education to more Logan families.
The transition from a single program to multiple locations might have seemed daunting, but our community partners shared our vision for accessible nature education. KENG continued their invaluable support, and we secured additional backing from Logan City Council and Frasers Property. These powerful partnerships ensure our programs remain free for all families and carers, maintaining the core principle that every child deserves access to quality nature-based learning. In 2024, responding to our continued growth, we evolved from sole trader to company structure as Book and Branches Pty Ltd, while maintaining our commitment to free programs and community partnerships.
But here's what's interesting: when you offer something for free in Logan, you first encounter scepticism. "What's the catch?" people ask. "How long will it last?" These questions stem from a history of programs coming and going, of promises made and broken. Building trust takes time, consistency, and genuine commitment.
Daisy Hill: The Perfect Natural Classroom
Choosing Daisy Hill Conservation Park as our first location in 2021 was strategic. This beautiful bushland reserve isn't just accessible - it's a living, breathing classroom. Here, children can spot koalas in their natural habitat, learn about native plants, play, and understand their role in our environment. The park serves as a bridge between different parts of our community, bringing together locals from all backgrounds in a shared space of learning and discovery.
Our growth has been steady and purposeful. In 2023, we expanded to Bronzewing Park in Bahrs Scrub, thanks to support from Frasers Property. Building on this success, 2024 saw us open at Alexander Clark Park in Loganholme, made possible through KENG's Helping Hand Grant. Each site brings its own unique natural characteristics and community dynamics.
Looking Forward: 2025 and Beyond
We're excited to be growing again, with plans for four free Bush Kindy locations across Logan. Our fourth location, within the Bush Tucker Garden at Eagleby South State School, marks another exciting chapter in our journey to make nature education accessible to all Logan families. Securing this space began in 2021 - a testament to how building relationships, connecting with families and educators, and fostering community trust takes time.
Our vision for accessible nature education is spreading beyond Logan. Ipswich City Council has partnered with us to offer free nature playgroups in their region, and we're in discussions with several other councils about both playgroups and professional training. Our partnership with Camp Australia will bring nature-based holiday programs to more families across South-East Queensland. These partnerships demonstrate the growing recognition of nature-based learning's value.
As more regions embrace our approach, we've recognised the need to support educators and organisations in delivering quality nature-based programs. This recognition led to the development of Bush Kindy Learning, another branch we are growing, providing high-quality professional development for play-based nature education.
The scepticism we initially encountered has gradually transformed into enthusiasm and ownership. Families who were once wary now champion our programs in their communities. From our early days under KENG's guidance to our current expansion as Bush Kindy Teaching and Bush Kindy Learning, we've proven our commitment to Logan. This isn't just a program - it's a grassroots movement, grown from within the community, for the community.
Their trust is precious, and we honour it by continuing to deliver consistent, high-quality programs that respect our community's unique character. As we watch children from all backgrounds explore, play, learn, and grow together in our bushland settings, we see the future of Logan - one where access to nature education isn't a privilege but a right.
