Yesterday three of us visited the Wydham Early Learning Activity centre (WELA) about a hundred kilometres up the road.
Wyndham is a tiny town on the coast - some would call it "extremely remote", otherwise would call it "dying".
The WELA though is a thriving patch of colour and life. It's an initiative which grew up behind the local high school, where mums and bubs can come to spend time and promote their children's early development. It's not a daycare centre - a parent has to accompany their child, and that way, there's a dual-learning opportunity.
The centre focuses on health and hygiene, listening skills, nutrition, creative expression, social norms and expectations .... they do some amazing work. It caters for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families, and provides an outlet for all sorts of frustrations and concerns. It gives guidance and advice, and operates on the smell of an oily rag.
Here are some faces from WELA.
