A Bundaberg kindergarten is incorporating local Indigenous knowledge into their learning program to give children the opportunity to explore all facets of nature and history.
C&K Forestview Kindergarten director Louise Stallard said plans were under way to create an Indigenous bush tucker garden at the centre.
The project is coming to fruition thanks to funding from Bundaberg Regional Council, with $2700 allocated from round one of the 2019 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
“This project is four years in the making and we are so excited to get it all happening,” Louise said.
Bush tucker garden project
The outdoor area is set to feature traditional Indigenous bush tucker plants, a rainbow serpent mural and a learning circle for children to share stories.
“We are very blessed to be directly behind Baldwin Swamp which means we get lots of animal visitors so we will also be incorporating animals into the artwork,” Louise said.
“Prior to this, we had an indigenous artist create some beautiful signage for us- including our welcome sign, so we hope we can continue that artwork into our new garden area.”
Louise said incorporating natural elements within a play area was very important in encouraging engagement and learning.
“The bush tucker area will include features such as a wooden deck, totem poles with animal artwork and a variety of plants that the children can grow and nurture,” she said.
“We are in the process of working through this with help from the Gidarjil Development Corporation on this project and can’t wait to get started.
“The aim of this bush tucker garden is to enable our children to learn more about different cultures.
“Knowledge gained means more acceptance and understanding and that’s exactly what we hope to achieve.”
Along with the Bush Tucker Garden project, Council awarded eight other groups with funding through round one of the Regional Arts Development Fund.
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
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