HOLY Family Primary School’s new Aboriginal Garden was officially opened on Monday.
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The garden has been many months in the making and is located just outside the school’s main entrance.
Principal Kevin Arrow said it was important to acknowledge the school’s Aboriginal students as well as the fact that it was built on traditional Wiradyuri land.
“It’s to actively support the teaching of Aboriginal perspectives at the school,” he said of the garden.
“It has created an outdoor learning environment and place of Aboriginal significance for all students.”
The garden’s design incorporates elements to reflect the Wiradyuri tribal area described as ‘the land of the three rivers’ – the Wambool (now known as the Macquarie River), the Kalari (Lachlan) and the Murrumbidjeri (the Murrumbidgee River).
Elder Dinawan Dyirribang came to the garden’s opening and conducted a smoking ceremony.
Mr Dyirribang told those gathered that the school was in a special spot as from there you can see the sacred land of Wahluu (Mount Panorama).
Mr Arrow said the teaching of traditional culture and heritage was important and the school has Gimilaroi man Darren Smith on staff full time as a teacher and Aboriginal educator.