Students and visitors to Branxton Public School are now welcomed by a beautiful garden that links the region’s Aboriginal culture with the school’s history.
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The garden was created by the school’s general assistant, Robert Cousins, and represents the story of the great spirit Baiame.
According to Wonnarua Dreamtime, Baiame created the landscape and wildlife of the Hunter Valley.
“Our garden represents this story, a story of Branxton over time long before roads and houses existed,” Mr Cousins said.
The garden features the rainbow serpent as its centrepiece, with rocks and plants surrounding its winding journey.
Images of Baiame and Kawal (the wedge-tailed eagle Baiame created to watch over the Wonnarua people) sit above a mural of depicting Branxton Public School from establishment to present day.
Totem poles representing Wonnarua and its neighbouring mobs (Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi, Biripi, Worimi, Awabakal and Darkinjung have been placed in the garden.
“The neighbouring mobs would all hold a special place to the Wonnarua mob through language, trade and customs,” Mr Cousins said.
School principal Michelle Maier said the garden was a perfect example of the uniting of Aboriginal culture and the history of Branxton Public School.
“As educators we attempt to teach our students the significance and importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and promote true reconciliation, respect and understanding,” she said.
“Reconciliation is about promoting equality and recognition across cultures; this might seem to be a big concept for young children, but the things we do every day either contribute to the respectful meeting of cultures in Australia.”
Ms Maier praised Mr Cousins for his dedication to the project.
“His respect for our Indigenous culture, all elders and his enthusiasm to engage all students in the journey of reconciliation and embedding it into daily learning at our school is so appreciated by us all,” she said.
“I am sure it (the garden) will be a significant and important part of our school for years to come.”
Ms Maier said the garden has already encouraged many questions from students.
About 10 percent of the school’s student population is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
The school’s oldest and youngest Indigenous students, Mia Paget and Kye Allen, were given the honour of cutting the ribbon to declare the garden officially open at an assembly on Thursday.
The assembly included a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony, and was followed by a performance by the Wakakulang dancers and NAIDOC Week activities.
VIDEO: Branxton Public School’s youngest and oldest Aboriginal students, Kye and Mia, cut the ribbon to open the Indigenous garden.