Principles of Our Big Backyard

Our Big Backyard:

• Has a ‘people focussed’ emphasis – which encourages social and family cohesion.
• Involves multiple agencies and groups early in the OBBY establishment process.
• Provides a platform for authentic children’s voices.
• Includes a range of different groups, such as Aboriginal communities and people with disabilities.
• Its purpose is loose, as well as meaningful (balance between being loose enough to allow for communities’ needs and interests, but meaningful enough to warrant effort).
• The process is scalable (reserve vs whole state).
• Has an educative component – tactile and aligns with curriculum – encourages and allows for creative and imaginative play.
• Is accessible to multiple age groups and backgrounds.
• Provides just the right amount of information – not too much as to show what people don’t know, there is a need to encourage a sense of wonder in the world and engage people in simple activities.
• Is inviting, in order to excite people enough so that they want more information.
• Encourages and empowers parents to teach their children.