Gumnuts Early Learning Centre

01/10/2026

18/09/2026

🌿 Meet Our Educators – Nadine 🌿

Meet Nadine, our Assistant Director, who has been part of the Gumnuts team for an incredible 11 years.

Working across all of our rooms as well as in the office, Nadine loves the opportunity to connect with children at every age and stage. She particularly enjoys the diverse developmental milestones and perspectives each age group brings — and the way children remind us that something which may seem small or ordinary to an adult can be incredibly exciting, stimulating and meaningful through their eyes.

For Nadine, being an educator means learning something new every day. She loves the interactions with children of all ages, forming meaningful relationships and embracing the freedom of play as an opportunity for learning. She is passionate about providing open-ended experiences that give children the space to explore, discover, learn, thrive and grow. 🌱

After 11 years at Gumnuts, Nadine says there are still so many things she loves about being here — from the children, families and educators to our philosophy and connection with community and nature-based learning.

Outside of Gumnuts, Nadine enjoys spending time with her family, grandbaby and fur babies, hiking and heading away for weekend mini-breaks. Her favourite children’s book is Found You Little Wombat — a special favourite of one of her own children that is now loved by her grandbaby too. ❤️

15/09/2026

This is a FREE event to connect families to local support and information.

There will be face painting, lunch-box ideas with Olivia McArthur, Children’s First Aid and much more!!

The following organisations will be present:
- Heyfield Playgroup
- Wellington Toy Library
- Maternal & Child Health
- Parent support services

Date/Time: Wednesday 18 November, 3:00pm - 5.30pm
Location: Heyfield Community Resource Centre

15/09/2026

Please find attached flyer for FREE holiday activity guided bird watching and book launch. Please join the Friends of Sale Botanic Gardens to launch the new book “Birds and other wildlife of the Sale Botanic Gardens and surrounds”, to learn more about the wonderful feathered residents of our local area! 🐦‍⬛

15/09/2026

🌿 Our Pre-Prep Room 🌿

Our Pre-Prep (or 4’s Kinder) program is all about helping children grow in confidence, independence and curiosity as they prepare for their next big adventure — school!

Through play-based learning, children are encouraged to explore their interests, build friendships, develop problem-solving skills and express their ideas. Our educators create engaging experiences that support each child’s individual strengths while building the social, emotional and practical skills they’ll take with them to school and beyond.

With plenty of opportunities to learn, create, explore and play — both indoors and across our large outdoor spaces — our 4’s Kinder room is a place where children can feel confident, connected and ready for what comes next. 💚

11/09/2026

🌿 Meet Our Educators – Rani 🌿

Say hello to Rani, one of our wonderful educators in the Emus Room, working with our 2–3 year olds.

Rani has been part of the Gumnuts team for the past year and loves being able to watch the children learn and grow, celebrating all their big and small wins along the way.

One of her favourite things about this age is their big personalities and the funny conversations they have! She also loves building connections with the children and becoming one of their trusted “safe people”.

Rani is particularly passionate about supporting children to develop independence and self-help skills, helping them build confidence as they learn to do more for themselves.

Outside of Gumnuts, you’ll often find Rani at the beach with her partner and dog, or teaching pottery to kids. Her favourite children’s book is The Very Cranky Bear, although anything by Dr. Seuss is always a winner — rhyming books are her favourite! 📚

And when it comes to coffee or tea? Definitely COFFEE! ☕️

For Rani, the best thing about being an educator is simple: watching children learn and grow. 💚

07/09/2026

🌿 Welcome to our Emus Room! 🌿

Our Emus Room is a busy, happy space for our 2–3 year olds, with plenty of opportunities to play, explore and follow their growing curiosity. 💚

From sensory play and stories to building, problem-solving and plenty of time outdoors, our Emus are supported to build confidence, independence and friendships along the way.

Our caring educators create a warm and nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported and valued. 🌱

04/09/2026

Local students and community members have been working with Wellington Shire on the Flooding Creek revegetation project and we are ready to take this project to the world!

Join us to celebrate nature, biodiversity and the awesomeness of community members working together at the Flooding Creek Community Day.
• Saturday 3 October
• 10am-1pm
• Flooding Creek Reserve (off Back Maffra Rd, Sale)
• Free event
• Family activities – art, face painting, interactive displays
• Local environmental groups
• Habitat creation
• Free sausage sizzle
• Coffee van
• … and even more tree planting!!

03/09/2026

🌿 Meet Our Educators | Meet Mel 🌿

Over the coming months, we’re looking forward to introducing you to some of the wonderful educators who make Gumnuts such a special place.

First up, meet Mel, one of our Assistant Educators who works across our Emus and 3-Year-Old Kinder rooms.

Mel has been part of the Gumnuts family for seven years and says one of the things she loves most about working with children is simply watching them learn and grow. 💚 And when those morning drop-offs feel a little hard for some of the children, Mel is on hand with a warm cuddle and plenty of reassurance. 🥰

A little more about Mel…

📚 Favourite children’s book: Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas
☕ Coffee or tea? Both!
📖 Outside of Gumnuts: Mel loves reading and spending time with her family.
💬 Something she loves about working with children: Their unfiltered conversations!

And the best thing about being an educator?

“Bringing out your inner child.” 🌱

We’re very lucky to have Mel as part of our Gumnuts team. Be sure to say hello next time you see her around the Centre! 💛