Kirby Barker



Meet Early Childhood Educator Kirby Barker. Well, actually Early Childhood Educator of the Year 2020 to be precise.

You needn’t spend long with her to realise she has one of the warmest, most joyful smiles and hearts you may ever encounter. Kirby is a proud Bandjalang woman doing many amazing things, one of them being dedicated to encouraging reconciliation, and bringing cultural joy into learning for young children. Her work has included creating programs such as the Bandjalang language program and Boogul Jugoon, a nature classroom, where children learn in a natural bush setting every fortnight.

Spending time with Kirby in her hometown, I was instantly struck by her warm presence and her connection to the community and the land. During our time together we talked about how she initially felt like she would never want to work with children, but quickly realised how naturally the role came to her, especially sharing the joy of Bandjalang language and traditional stories with the children and families, and broader community. When so many stories, traditions and languages have been lost, I couldn’t imagine the weight of responsibility that may be felt in keeping her peoples language and traditions alive but Kirby seems to carry this with lightness. However, she certainly doesn’t shy away from the big conversations, believing that it’s important to start teaching children the truth about our history from when they are young. To celebrate difference and teach kindness, love and respect always. Something most of us often forget as adults.

Get to know Kirby a little more below...


Tell us a little about yourself...

I'm Kirby Barker 27-year-old living in my peoples country, Bandjalang country, Evans Head North East NSW. I am a proud Bandjalang women. I have worked as an Early Childhood Educator at Evans Head and Woodburn preschools for almost 10 years. I am a huge foodie, have a special love for all dogs and enjoy exercising by the Evans River.

How did it feel to win the Early Childhood Educator of the Year AND the People’s Choice award?

It felt so amazing, I was quite emotional, actually. To be awarded such a big award for something I am so passionate about and lucky enough to do every day was so reassuring that I am exactly where I am meant to be. To also win people choice was like the icing on the cake, to have such strong community support was heart-warming and so exciting!


Tell us a little about yourself...

I'm Kirby Barker 27-year-old living in my peoples country, Bandjalang country, Evans Head North East NSW. I am a proud Bandjalang women. I have worked as an Early Childhood Educator at Evans Head and Woodburn preschools for almost 10 years. I am a huge foodie, have a special love for all dogs and enjoy exercising by the Evans River.

How did it feel to win the Early Childhood Educator of the Year AND the People’s Choice award?

It felt so amazing, I was quite emotional, actually. To be awarded such a big award for something I am so passionate about and lucky enough to do every day was so reassuring that I am exactly where I am meant to be. To also win people choice was like the icing on the cake, to have such strong community support was heart-warming and so exciting!



You mentioned your mother told you that you were always interested in and soaking up the culture and language from a young age – how does it feel to be passing that onto another generation of children?

It is such an important job to share the languages, stories and traditions that have been passed on for thousands of years. It’s a big responsibility, but I love it so much, and it comes so naturally. I am fortunate enough that my full time job allows me the time and space to do such significant work that I can work closely with my elders and share all of this rich knowledge first hand with the children, educators and families I work alongside of.

The work you do has had such a far-reaching impact on your community. What is some of your favourite, and maybe more unexpected, things that have come from your work?

I have had the opportunity to travel and present at national conferences and summits alongside my educational leader and friend Cath. Our preschool (Evans Head Preschool) Won the 2020 Anti Bias award that saw Cath, My director Allyson and I published in the Anti Bias Approach in Early Childhood Book By Red Ruby Scarlet. I was recognised in parliament for my work and also interviewed by ABC in 2020 which was a highlight.

What is your favourite thing about what you do?

The diversity of it all. Every day is different, every year is a different group of children and families.



Words you live by?

I don’t chase, I attract. Everything that belongs to me will simply find me.

What are your hopes for the future?

To Finish my uni degree (Bachelor of Education- Primary school and Early Childhood), Eventually go on to become the educational leader at Evans Head Preschool. Continue to learn, share and teach Bandjalang language perhaps on a bigger scale in the future, Have children and raise them on Bandjalang country by the ocean.

Who are the women who inspire you?

Oh I have so many! My Mum, My big sister Teela, my cousins and aunties. My director Allyson, Educational leader Cath and all the educators I work with at both Evans Head and Woodburn preschools who always support me and encourage me as an educator.

What is your favourite Spell piece right now and why?

The Butterfly short robe. It is such a beautiful print. Such an easy piece to wear with so many colours, it can go with a lot of pieces in my wardrobe. It is so comfy! It’s also really easy to dress up or down for a more casual look.

Words you live by?

I don’t chase, I attract. Everything that belongs to me will simply find me.

What are your hopes for the future?

To Finish my uni degree (Bachelor of Education- Primary school and Early Childhood), Eventually go on to become the educational leader at Evans Head Preschool. Continue to learn, share and teach Bandjalang language perhaps on a bigger scale in the future, Have children and raise them on Bandjalang country by the ocean.

Who are the women who inspire you?

Oh I have so many! My Mum, My big sister Teela, my cousins and aunties. My director Allyson, Educational leader Cath and all the educators I work with at both Evans Head and Woodburn preschools who always support me and encourage me as an educator.

What is your favourite Spell piece right now and why?

The Butterfly short robe. It is such a beautiful print. Such an easy piece to wear with so many colours, it can go with a lot of pieces in my wardrobe. It is so comfy! It’s also really easy to dress up or down for a more casual look.




With love to Kirby Barker
Words and Images by Karissa Sparke