A cultural landscaping garden project is underway at the Huntingfield Campus.

When Europeans first started exploring Australia more than 200 years ago, many botanists such as Joseph Banks were amongst them.  They studied some of the native plants, but very few learnt about their traditional Aboriginal uses.  Today, there is growing interest in learning more about how native plants can be used for food and medicine, as well as practical craft.

The bike track area in the Grade 5/6 playground has recently been landscaped.  We are planting out many Tasmanian native plants that have been used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years.  These include plants known as 'bush tucker' as well as plants used for crafts such as basket weaving and canoe making.  Once the plants are all established we can start learning about their traditional uses.

A sand circle with rocks for sitting on has been built.  This circle is the same as the one established at our Kingston Campus last year.  This gathering space will be used as an outdoor classroom.  It will also provide us with a cultural space to host tutors who come in for music and dance performances and traditional workshops like weaving.  Some classes have already started using the space for a 'yarn circle'.

The design of the garden has been carefully considered and plants have been selected with care.  Grade 9 and 10 Duke of Edinburgh students, as well as some Grade 5 students of Aboriginal descent, have been busy planting out trees and mulching.  The garden is starting to look fantastic!  We ask all students to please stay out of the garden beds and be respectful of the entire area, especially while we continue to plant out different trees, grasses and bush tucker.

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER STUDENTS AND FAMILIES INVITATION