Uniforms that Celebrate Learning, Country, and Legacy
“At Mayfield Nature Kindergarten, we deeply recognise the importance of First Nations artwork in early learning environments. Art created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is a powerful way to connect children with culture, history, and Country from a young age.”
- Lynda Kramer, Director
Background
Eskay Kids Mayfield is a nature-based early learning centre in Brisbane’s inner south offering a child-led, play-based program focused on hands-on learning and real-world experiences.
The team of passionate educators supports children’s development through curiosity, creativity, and collaboration, while embedding respect, inclusive education, and cultural awareness into daily practice through age-appropriate engagement with First Nations perspectives.
Services
Uniform Redesign
- Custom Artwork Uniforms
- Polo Shirts
Community Engagement Strategy
- Cultural Learning Integration
- Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
Team Threads Uniform Sponsorship
Eskay Kids was selected as a recipient of Yarn Corporate’s Team Threads initiative - a uniform sponsorship program supporting small teams with commitment to making a difference in their communities.
The centre received custom polo shirts featuring their logo and First Nations artwork of their choice. The uniforms weren’t just about visual identity - they were a meaningful way to bring their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to life. The team saw the opportunity to use clothing as a visible expression of their values and a tangible commitment to reconciliation.
Brief for Uniform Solution
The Mayfield team wanted a uniform that embodied their nature-based philosophy and visually reflected their commitment to Cultural respect and progressive early learning values. The goal was to find a design that could represent their team, support inclusive practice, and strengthen their shared identity through purposeful visual storytelling.
Custom Artwork Selection
Thriving Together - the NAIDOC 2025 artwork by collaborating Gomeroi artist Caitlin Trindall was selected as the design to complement the centre’s early learning values.
The artwork reflects intergenerational guidance, growth, and shared responsibility - key themes that mirror Mayfield’s philosophy. It serves as a visual reminder of the team’s role in supporting future generations through respectful, Culturally aware practice.
“Through this artwork, we are encouraged to embed connection, respect, and cultural awareness into our daily practice, creating a learning environment where children grow up grounded in the wisdom of Country and community… Thriving Together is more than art, it’s a reflection of our philosophy and a call to nurture future generations who are deeply connected, compassionate, and thriving.”
- Lynda Kramer, Director
Team & Community Response
The arrival of the uniforms was met with enthusiasm, pride, and appreciation for the meaningful artwork, uniform quality, and how the design added depth to their branding. Further, they acted as a conversation-starter within the centre and were well received by the wider community.
As part of the Team Threads sponsorship, the centre had the opportunity to take part in a photoshoot - a moment of connection for staff, children, and families.
“Wearing the shirts for the first time was incredibly special. Our team loved sharing them with the children and their families on our photo shoot day. The children were fascinated by the patterns and colours, and it opened beautiful conversations about culture, Country, and community.” - Lynda Kramer, Director
The team looks forward to wearing their uniforms during NAIDOC Week and beyond. More than just uniforms, they symbolise the team’s commitment to reconciliation, Cultural respect, and inclusive practice.
First Nations Artwork Uniforms NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week is a significant time for the Mayfield community, bringing educators, children, and families together to celebrate Culture and reflect on shared values.
“At Mayfield, NAIDOC Week is one of the most special times of the year… a celebration of Culture, connection, and community that brings our values to life in beautiful and meaningful ways.”
- Lynda Kramer, Director
The addition of First Nations artwork uniforms brings visibility and meaning to NAIDOC Week celebrations - demonstrating allyship and helping spark respectful, ongoing conversations about Culture in the early learning space.
Reconciliation Action Plan in Practise
The Mayfield team is actively engaged in their Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). For them, reconciliation is not a one-off event - it’s an ongoing, evolving commitment that forms their values. Their new uniforms designed through Yarn Corporate’s Team Threads program go beyond branding - they’re a powerful tool for reconciliation, education, and allyship.
“Our RAP is more than a document, it’s a living practice that guides how we embed cultural awareness, respect, and connection into everything we do. We recognise that reconciliation is a shared responsibility and that learning and growth are ongoing.”
- Lynda Kramer, Director
The Role of First Nations Art in Early Learning
At Mayfield, First Nations art is more than decoration - it’s an opportunity for learning, growth, and empathy. Mayfield’s on-site mural, created in collaboration with a First Nations artist, plays an important role in their learning environment and serves as a reminder of their commitment to respect. That same commitment is carried through their new uniforms, where artwork supports everyday conversations about identity, connection, and respect.
Advice for Uniform Refresh
Mayfield’s experience shows that a uniform can be so much more than just clothing – it can reflect your philosophy, spark conversations, support inclusive learning, and strengthen team identity. When aligned with a Reconciliation Action Plan, First Nations artwork uniforms offer a meaningful representation of values - building awareness, deepening commitment, and demonstrating allyship.
These uniforms become an extension of who you are as a team, creating visual cohesion and a shared sense of purpose in the workplace and beyond. Choose designs that tell a story your team believes in - because when uniforms hold meaning, they inspire connection, pride, and impact.