Supporting educators and professional learning across BPA services.
Fitri was born in Jakarta, Indonesia. As a child she describes herself as shy, often taking time to warm up to new people and environments. She attended a private school where much of her time was spent studying, but outside the classroom she loved dancing and learned traditional Balinese dance as one of her extracurricular activities.
When she was ten years old, her family moved to Sydney. The transition was challenging.
At the time Fitri was still learning English, which made communication difficult and sometimes left her feeling isolated.
“I went from being a happy and confident child to feeling quite alone,” she recalls.
Over time things improved. After attending ESL classes for about a year, her confidence with English grew and she began to settle into life in Australia. She also experienced a different kind of childhood, spending more time outdoors playing with neighbourhood friends and enjoying the freedom of simply being a child.
Those early experiences would later influence her passion for early childhood education.
Fitri’s own experiences of feeling different and searching for belonging shaped her decision to work in early childhood.
“Early childhood is such an important time to nurture respect for diversity and inclusiveness,” she says.
Before joining BPA, Fitri spent several years as a full-time mum raising her children. During that time she returned to university to complete her teaching degree, balancing study with caring for young children without extended family support nearby.
After graduating and welcoming her fourth child, she returned to the workforce when her youngest was two years old, initially taking on a co-educator role to ease back into the sector.
Fitri has now been part of BPA for more than ten years.
She began as a Co-Educator, before moving into an Early Childhood Teacher role and later becoming a Nominated Supervisor and Educational Leader.
More recently she transitioned into BPA’s People and Culture team, supporting recruitment and gaining experience in HR-related areas. Today she works as a Learning and Development Partner, supporting educator training and professional learning across BPA services.
“No two days are the same,” she says.
Her role involves supporting centres with training, responding to questions from educators and leaders, and working on initiatives that strengthen learning across services.
Having worked in centres herself for many years, she brings a strong understanding of the challenges educators face.
“It’s a role you really do because you care deeply about children and their development,” she says.
“There are days when it can feel demanding, but seeing children grow in confidence and achieve milestones makes it all worthwhile.”
From sharing meals during Ramadan with her community, to performing traditional Indonesian dance, to supporting educators across BPA, Fitri’s story is shaped by connection, culture and care for others.
For Fitri, inclusiveness and community are values that resonate deeply.
“I believe every child and family should feel seen, respected and valued for who they are.”
This sense of connection extends beyond work into her community life. Fitri is actively involved in the Indonesian Muslim community in Melbourne’s west, where families regularly gather to share food and celebrate culture together.
As Ramadan comes to an end, it remains a particularly meaningful time for her family.
“It’s a time for reflection, gratitude and giving to others,” she says.
During Ramadan, her days begin early before sunrise and end with family meals and prayers in the evening. Preparing food together for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast, has become a special routine shared with her children.
This year has also been emotional, as it is her first Ramadan without her mother, who recently passed away.
“It has been a time to reflect and cherish the memories and traditions she shared with us.”
Outside of work, Fitri has rediscovered a love of performing arts. Through a community dance group she performs traditional Indonesian dances at cultural festivals and events.
More recently she has also stepped into theatre, performing in plays inspired by Southeast Asian folklore.
“It’s been a wonderful way to connect with culture, storytelling and community,” she says.
When asked what advice she would give someone considering a career in early childhood education, Fitri emphasises the importance of learning and connection.
“Working in early childhood is an ongoing learning journey,” she says.
“It’s also about building strong relationships with families. When educators and families work together, it creates the best possible foundation for children to learn and grow.”
After more than ten years with BPA, Fitri describes the organisation in three words:
Join a team that values your story, supports your learning, and helps you make a real difference for children and families.
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