A marathon of Aboriginal plant use workshops for Braidwood school groups
From 3rd to 5th November 2025, several school groups around Braidwood got to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Aboriginal plant knowledge with Adam Shipp of Yurbay. Over the three-day period Adam, a First Nations educator and proud Wiradjuri man from Dubbo, ran 10 workshops in collaboration with Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council for around 240 local students, parents and community members.
The first workshop took place at Braidwood Preschool, where the group learned how to make bush band-aids with sticky Cassinia leaves, and a beautiful story about how ‘Mother Bunda Kangaroo’ got her pouch.
Next, the combined year 7 and 8 classes from Braidwood Central School went on a field trip out to Tombarra Accommodation and Events for a bush walk and taste test of some bush foods on Country. Situated on the Mongarlowe River and the traditional lands of the Walbunja peoples of the Yuin Nation, Tombarra proved an excellent venue, with four workshops hosted on site overall.
After the BCS field trip, there was an evening session for the adults or local community members to enjoy over a dinner with Adam, plus two workshops with over 30 members from the district Homeschool network on the following day.
Bush-walks down to the Mongarlowe river opened a wealth of discussion on native plants and their traditional uses. From how the nectar from Banksias and Callistemons can make a high energy cordial, to the staples of Lomandra stems, seeds and twine-making, Adam expertly guided one group after another, pointing out species of interest along the way.
On the final day, Adam wrapped up by visiting St Bedes Primary School in Braidwood and presented to each of the K-6 classes in the hall. The highlights were the kids making their own bush soap with Blackwood wattle leaves (Acacia melanoxylon), as well as taste testing a variety of bush-tucker.
The tasting menu included earthy wattle seed, tart quandong, zesty desert limes, sour Davidson plum, subtle saltbush and spicy mountain pepper - the latter washed down with calming peppermint gum tea. Freeze-dried 'muntries' (a sweet fruit known as native cranberries or a berry similar in taste to apples) proved most popular with students.
From his country in Dubbo, Adam Shipp runs Yurbay (pronounced You ra by) a business named after a Wiradjuri language words for ‘seed’ - exemplifying his love of plants and the endless opportunity for growth. Adam has also recently collaborated with Junior Landcare and is well known within the Landcare network for running a great hands-on workshop experience – something which was evident in this three-day marathon of workshops around Braidwood with different schools and age groups.
Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council and Local Landcare Coordinator Erin Brinkley were delighted to be able to host Adam, supporting these workshops under their youth engagement series project, kindly funded by the Braidwood Community Bank Community Grants Program. Adam’s patience and passion for sharing traditional Aboriginal plant use, healing, country and culture was astounding and we hope he can come back to visit our community again soon!
