A new community exhibition in Healesville is giving local children a creative way to explore culture, identity and Australia’s ongoing reconciliation journey.

“All In – Our Community Children’s Exhibition” opened at The Memo Healesville and brings together work created by children from seven local kindergartens and schools. The project was developed by Yarra Ranges Council in collaboration with Yaggera artist Jenine Godwin-Thompson as part of National Reconciliation Week 2026.

Through hands-on workshops, children created raffia figures while learning about cultural objects, traditions, identity and connection to Country. The organisers say the activities were designed to make cultural learning accessible, practical and memorable for young children.

The exhibition comes from a community where First Nations people form an important part of the local story. According to the 2021 Census, 1,702 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people lived in the Yarra Ranges, representing about 1.1% of the local population. The median age of the local Indigenous population was just 25, compared with 40 for the broader Yarra Ranges population.

Education is also central to the community. Census data recorded 247 Indigenous children attending primary school and 167 attending secondary school in the Yarra Ranges in 2021.

The exhibition reflects the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In”, which encourages Australians to participate actively in reconciliation rather than simply observe it.

The project also highlights how cultural education can begin early, using art and creativity to encourage curiosity and respectful conversations between children and their communities.

The free exhibition is open at The Memo Healesville until August 30, giving families and visitors an opportunity to see the children’s work and reflect on the role younger generations can play in Australia’s future.