Since 1989 Ardyn Masterman, a Montessori teacher, has been working to bring Montessori education to the indigenous communities of Cape York. 

As an initial step, a Montessori preschool pilot program was established at Cairns West Public School.  The Montessori Children's House, named Dancing Brolgas, opened its doors on 5 February 2001 under the direction of Ardyn Masterman and Louisa Sagiba. The programme conculded in 2007.

This programme was instrumental in establishing that the Montessori approach to education leads to successful outcomes for Indigenous children and led to the settlement of the Masterman Bequest.