Students and teachers at Taabinga State School can now make use of a new outdoor facility in the Yumbin Learning Garden, a cultural green space enabling deeper understanding of local Indigenous culture.
The school held an opening ceremony for its new garden on 18 September, hearing about the space’s purpose and getting the opportunity to plant a range of native Australian trees, shrubs and other plants within its many planter boxes.
Jolean Raines, a staff member at Taabinga State School, said the garden draws its name from the Wakka Wakka word ‘yumbin’ meaning ‘we,’ ‘us,’ or ‘everyone’ – a testament to its inclusive nature.
“The Yumbin Learning Garden isn’t just about growing food – it’s about growing understanding, respect and connection,” Ms Raines said.
“It’s about reconciliation through action – starting with learning.”
She explained that teachers will be able to hold interactive lessons in the garden allowing students at the Prep to Year 6 school to learn about science, history, literacy and the arts through the medium of native plants and local lore.
The garden features a native stingless bee ‘hotel’, a watering station and a yarning circle, as well as 32 hand-painted ‘art tiles’ designed by the school’s students as the product of a teacher-hosted competition.
“My hope is that everyone who enters this space feels welcome, curious and inspired, that they walk with not just the knowledge of native plants, but a deeper appreciation for the land we live on and the cultures that have cared for it for many years,” Ms Raines said.
At the opening of the Yumbin Learning Garden, Taabinga State School also unveiled its new acknowledgment of country, designed with the help of Indigenous after-school care organisation Kidz Mob whose founders Charlotte and Charlie Renouf were present on the day.
Taabinga State School cultural captain Lucca Fleischfresser, Year 6, read out the statement.
“We acknowledge the Wakka Wakka people who are the traditional custodians of the land on which our school stands,” Lucca said.
“From the red ants and the red dirt beneath our feet to the birds that soar above our reach, we as the next generation will respect and protect this land, walking together hand in hand.
“We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging and thank them for sharing their culture with us so we can grow together and understand.”
