The Koori Curriculum Leadership Retreat
The Koori Curriculum Leadership Retreat
An immersive 3-day experience for early childhood educators, leaders and consultants ready to deepen their practice and lead with cultural integrity.
Join us in 2026 for the next Koori Curriculum Leadership Retreat — a transformative, three-day experience designed for educators committed to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in meaningful, respectful, and practical ways.
Held at the stunning Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, this immersive retreat offers a powerful blend of cultural learning, personal reflection, and community connection. Whether you’re new to leading this work or already an advocate in your setting, this retreat will equip you with the inspiration, tools, and clarity to take your next steps with confidence.
An immersive 3-day experience for early childhood educators, leaders and consultants ready to deepen their practice and lead with cultural integrity.
Join us in 2026 for the next Koori Curriculum Leadership Retreat — a transformative, three-day experience designed for educators committed to embedding Aboriginal perspectives in meaningful, respectful, and practical ways.
Held at the stunning Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, this immersive retreat offers a powerful blend of cultural learning, personal reflection, and community connection. Whether you’re new to leading this work or already an advocate in your setting, this retreat will equip you with the inspiration, tools, and clarity to take your next steps with confidence.
Location: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Location: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Lilianfels offers a luxurious yet grounded backdrop for our retreat. With its elegant heritage charm and stunning views of the Jamison Valley, it’s the perfect place to rest, recharge, and reconnect with purpose.
Accommodation is not included in the ticket price, but we encourage you to book early directly with Lilianfels or nearby providers. A code will be provided in your retreat booking confirmation email to access special event pricing for rooms at Lilianfels.
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains, Lilianfels offers a luxurious yet grounded backdrop for our retreat. With its elegant heritage charm and stunning views of the Jamison Valley, it’s the perfect place to rest, recharge, and reconnect with purpose.
Accommodation is not included in the ticket price, but we encourage you to book early directly with Lilianfels or nearby providers. A code will be provided in your retreat booking confirmation email to access special event pricing for rooms at Lilianfels.
The 2026 Leadership Retreat Program Includes:
Thursday 7th May
Thursday 7th May
On Country & Community
- Session 1: Acknowledging and honouring Country. This session will explore custodianship and the ways in which we can live and breathe this with children.
- Lunch
- Session two: Afternoon: Cultural Burn Workshop out on Country with cultural custodians – gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal fire and land management practices.
- Evening: Welcome Social & Meet and Greet – connect with fellow participants in a relaxed setting to set the tone for the days ahead.
On Country & Community
- Session 1: Acknowledging and honouring Country. This session will explore custodianship and the ways in which we can live and breathe this with children.
- Lunch
- Session two: Afternoon: Cultural Burn Workshop out on Country with cultural custodians – gain a deeper understanding of Aboriginal fire and land management practices.
- Evening: Welcome Social & Meet and Greet – connect with fellow participants in a relaxed setting to set the tone for the days ahead.
Friday 8th May
Friday 8th May
Culture in Practice
- Session 3 Morning: Cultural Walking Tour in the Blue Mountains – explore Country and deepen your connection to place.
- Lunch
- Session 4 Embedding Aboriginal perspectives through Country, Culture and Community.
- Free time:
- Session 5 Evening: Cocktail-Making Masterclass hosted by the Blue Mountains Gin Company – unwind, share stories, and have fun!
Culture in Practice
- Session 3 Morning: Cultural Walking Tour in the Blue Mountains – explore Country and deepen your connection to place.
- Lunch
- Session 4 Embedding Aboriginal perspectives through Country, Culture and Community.
- Free time:
- Session 5 Evening: Cocktail-Making Masterclass hosted by the Blue Mountains Gin Company – unwind, share stories, and have fun!
Saturday 9th May
Saturday 9th May
Leading with Integrity
- Session 6: Yarning circle sharing strategies and stories of success.
- Lunch
- Session 7: Guest Speaker
Leading with Integrity
- Session 6: Yarning circle sharing strategies and stories of success.
- Lunch
- Session 7: Guest Speaker
What to Expect
What to Expect
Over three full days, you’ll experience a carefully curated program that balances deep cultural learning, collaborative professional discussions, and restorative time in nature and community.
Each element of the retreat is intentionally designed to nourish both your personal and professional growth. You'll walk alongside knowledge holders and cultural practitioners, engage in open and honest conversations with peers, and spend time on Country to connect with the land and its stories.
This unique blend of learning and reflection allows you to step away from the everyday demands of your role, reconnect with your vision, and return to your setting feeling re-energised, grounded, and equipped with practical tools to lead reconciliation work in your early learning service with integrity.
Over three full days, you’ll experience a carefully curated program that balances deep cultural learning, collaborative professional discussions, and restorative time in nature and community.
Each element of the retreat is intentionally designed to nourish both your personal and professional growth. You'll walk alongside knowledge holders and cultural practitioners, engage in open and honest conversations with peers, and spend time on Country to connect with the land and its stories.
This unique blend of learning and reflection allows you to step away from the everyday demands of your role, reconnect with your vision, and return to your setting feeling re-energised, grounded, and equipped with practical tools to lead reconciliation work in your early learning service with integrity.
One on One Mentoring with Jessica Staines
One on One Mentoring with Jessica Staines
Each educator that joins the Koori Curriculum at a retreat will participate in a one on one mentoring session with your host, Jessica Staines.
Jessica Staines is an early childhood educator, professional speaker, author, advocate and advisor. As the founder and director of Koori Curriculum, Jessica is committed to helping educators embed Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood education.
She has played many significant roles nationally and internationally in building cultural understanding, reconciliation and harmony, including as an Indigenous advisor to ABC’s Playschool.
Jessica’s family are originally from Wiradjuri country, but due to displacement have lived off-country on Gadigal and Wangal lands for four generations. Jessica is proud to be a Wiradjuri woman, and today lives on Darkinjung Country with her husband and two children.
Each educator that joins the Koori Curriculum at a retreat will participate in a one on one mentoring session with your host, Jessica Staines.
Jessica Staines is an early childhood educator, professional speaker, author, advocate and advisor. As the founder and director of Koori Curriculum, Jessica is committed to helping educators embed Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood education.
She has played many significant roles nationally and internationally in building cultural understanding, reconciliation and harmony, including as an Indigenous advisor to ABC’s Playschool.
Jessica’s family are originally from Wiradjuri country, but due to displacement have lived off-country on Gadigal and Wangal lands for four generations. Jessica is proud to be a Wiradjuri woman, and today lives on Darkinjung Country with her husband and two children.
Retreat Details:
Retreat Details:
Date: 7th - 9th May, 2025
All Days: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, 5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba NSW 2780
Facilitator: Jessica Staines, Koori Curriculum Director.
Date: 7th - 9th May, 2025
All Days: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa, 5/19 Lilianfels Ave, Katoomba NSW 2780
Facilitator: Jessica Staines, Koori Curriculum Director.
Testimonials from Retreat Attendees
Testimonials from Retreat Attendees
"The whole experience has shifted something deeply within me. Its beyond what I ever thought it would be."
Jenn - Director, Urban Discovery
"The whole experience has shifted something deeply within me. Its beyond what I ever thought it would be."
Jenn - Director, Urban Discovery
"Its hard to pick a highlight. The smoking ceremony definitely. That was very spiritual for me and I got allot out of that."
Sharon - Educator, Happy Turtle Childcare
"Its hard to pick a highlight. The smoking ceremony definitely. That was very spiritual for me and I got allot out of that."
Sharon - Educator, Happy Turtle Childcare
"To listen to somebody talk from their personal experience in a group like we had last night, that were really engaged and willing to listen, it broadened your perspective a little bit more."
Emma - Regional Mobile Playgroup Mobile Facilitator
"To listen to somebody talk from their personal experience in a group like we had last night, that were really engaged and willing to listen, it broadened your perspective a little bit more."
Emma - Regional Mobile Playgroup Mobile Facilitator
Why Attend?
Why Attend?
This retreat is more than just professional development; it's your opportunity to build a supportive community of like-minded educators dedicated to making meaningful changes in their practice. The strategies we share are adaptable and can be tailored to various contexts, ensuring you leave with practical tools that empower you and your communities.
This retreat is more than just professional development; it's your opportunity to build a supportive community of like-minded educators dedicated to making meaningful changes in their practice. The strategies we share are adaptable and can be tailored to various contexts, ensuring you leave with practical tools that empower you and your communities.
Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
Jessica Staines, Director of Koori Curriculum, is committed to helping educators embed Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood education. With an extensive background in early childhood education and cultural awareness, you will gain invaluable insights and inspiration.
Jessica Staines, Director of Koori Curriculum, is committed to helping educators embed Aboriginal perspectives into early childhood education. With an extensive background in early childhood education and cultural awareness, you will gain invaluable insights and inspiration.
Investment in Your Future
Investment in Your Future
Tickets & Booking
Early Bird (available until sold out): $1136 inc GST & Booking Fee
General Admission: $1420 inc GST & Booking Fee
Limited to 40 attendees. This retreat sold out in 2025 — secure your place now and be part of this powerful learning experience.
Tickets & Booking
Early Bird (available until sold out): $1136 inc GST & Booking Fee
General Admission: $1420 inc GST & Booking Fee
Limited to 40 attendees. This retreat sold out in 2025 — secure your place now and be part of this powerful learning experience.