Trees and plants, along with descriptions of how they were traditionally used;
Rivers and ponds to represent the places that provided tranquillity and cleansing and brought people together;
Tin humpies to represent more recent Aboriginal life;
Bough sheds to represent safety and protection;
Paths to represent Yuranigh and Windradyne, inspirational Aboriginal people who lead us to discover new things and ways in a respectful and receptive manner;
Caves and mountains, to provide places of stillness, peacefulness, depth and reflection; and
The centre of the garden will be a circle filled with sand and around the edge will be sitting rocks and logs for students to sit around to meet, teach, listen and learn. The centre will represent respect. From respect comes safety and then learning.
The school has sourced a water tank, which is due to be installed soon, but we also need an underground rainwater tank. We plan to install irrigation to take advantage of this new source of water. This will also lift garden productivity and reduce plant losses. The water will then be pumped through the riverbed and be recirculated. As in nature, there will be times of the year when the riverbed will be dry and other times after rain when the river will be running faster.
Before work on the garden begins heavy machinery will need to prepare the area to ensure a catchment from natural rainfall can be optimised. A natural slope will ensure the river runs strategically through designated points of the garden to a pond. Finally, it will be redirected to an underground water storage tank.
This ambitious project is essential in enhancing self-esteem and outcomes for our Aboriginal students and providing greater connection with our local community. We have already generated much interest and excitement in our parents, but there is more to be done.
Contact Bowen Public School on 6362 3655 or via email Bowen-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au