Moriarty Foundation named one of Australia’s ‘Most Innovative Companies’

Last night, Moriarty Foundation was named one of the Financial Review’s ‘Most Innovative Companies’ for 2026.

Named as a finalist in the Government, Education and Not-for-Profit category, the Foundation was recognised for Indi Kindi’s Walking Learning® curriculum – a groundbreaking on County early education model, supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in remote Australia to thrive.

Co-designed and delivered by a team of 100% local Aboriginal women, Indi Kindi is an early education program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from birth to five years. Indi Kindi’s Walking Learning® curriculum is delivered in classrooms without walls and blends Aboriginal teaching methodology with best-practice early childhood pedagogy.

Moriarty Foundation Co-Founders, Ros Moriarty and Yanyuwa man John Moriarty AM, said they were honoured that Indi Kindi has been recognised nationally for its community-led innovation.

Moriarty Foundation Co-Founder and Executive Director, Ros Moriarty, said, “Walking Learning® shows what is possible when early education is co-designed and delivered through an Aboriginal Worldview. This recognition celebrates our local Aboriginal educator teams who deliver this curriculum every day on Country, giving our youngest learners the best start in life so they can thrive and reach their potential.”

Indi Kindi Program Director and Early Years Specialist, Jessica Horne-Kennedy, emphasised the significance of the curriculum’s design.

“Indi Kindi’s culturally-informed pedagogy integrates culture, education, health and wellbeing and aligns with the Australian Early Years Learning Framework. By grounding early learning in an Aboriginal Worldview and working in partnership with local families and communities, we support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to grow up strong in education, wellbeing and connection to Country,” said Ms Horne-Kennedy.

Indi Kindi’s impact is backed by research from Deloitte Access Economics which found the program is associated with reduced developmental lag in Borroloola from 74% to 42%, around a 20% stronger outcome than neighbouring communities, where the average developmental readiness in very remote areas sits at just 16.5%. This innovative approach directly counters a worsening national trend and works towards a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children reach their potential and thrive.

Indi Kindi’s Walking Learning® was also recently recognised for design excellence and was awarded GOLD in the 2026 Good Design Awards in the Service Design – Education Service category. READ MORE

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