The solution

Our vision is to make a positive impact on the environment through awareness and education and to re-connect people to nature and each other by bringing the environment back into our everyday lives. Our aim is to return the landscape to its natural state by bringing native flora species back to the area, encouraging and supporting the biodiversity of native flora and fauna. Murrumbidgee Landcare worked with students from Hay Preschool and Booligal, Rankin Springs, and St Mary’s Hay Public Schools in the development of Bush Tucker and Native gardens at their Schools. The students planned and designed their gardens and learned about native biodiversity, cultural heritage, and gardening utilising endemic plant species. They researched native plants and their Aboriginal use, collected and germinated native seeds, examined minibeasts and soil, and studied native animals and biodiversity. Students had the opportunity to build their gardens, planting trees, shrubs, and ground covers while learning about water conservation and the importance of planting endemic species. These projects promoted ownership of the gardens through the participants’ hard work, which in turn motivates students to continue to use and care for their gardens. Using native plants, particularly those which are of significance in Wiradjuri culture, the gardens are also a cultural educational tool for the future. Murrumbidgee Landcare also worked with Hay and Booligal Public Schools to create Cultural learning spaces with yarning circles at the centre. Connected by sitting around the yarning circles, students can come together to learn, talk and share ideas as equals in a safe place without any judgment. These projects provided a way for Aboriginal artists and organisations to connect with the wider community, introduce art and culture to school students, and provide ongoing reflection about the relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The cultural learning spaces were created during the schools’ NAIDOC week celebrations. Wiradjuri Artist Owen Lyons spent the week painting a yarning circle with the Hay Public School students, while Artist Kerri Weymouth and Wiradjuri Artist Emma Johnston spent the week painting with the students at Booligal Public School. These projects have increased awareness, appreciation, and connection to Aboriginal culture and helped establish crucial long-term community connections.