Project Overview:  

Port Pirie West Children's Centre received a Woolworths Junior Landcare Grant to create a Nhiina wanypatha (wellness) garden to explore senses and connect with bush tucker plants, promoting overall wellbeing for both children and families.  

The garden will enhance biodiversity by supporting local wildlife, including insects and pollinators. By planting a variety of native species, such as pig face, lilly pilly, lemon myrtle, twin-leaf emu bush, spiny saltbush, creeping boobialla, yellow buttons, and a quandong tree, they aim to improve soil quality and promote natural resilience. These plants will contribute to healthier soil through their root systems, which help prevent erosion and enhance soil structure, ultimately supporting a richer ecosystem. 

The 150 preschoolers actively learnt about various Aboriginal plants, including traditional uses in bush tucker and bush medicine. The students participated in a Cultural Workshop with Tamika from local First Nations organisation, Let's Wongan, where they explored Aboriginal symbols and art, creating designs on rocks to be placed in a dry creek bed. Additionally, they learned how to represent spaces from a bird’s eye view and practised drawing mud maps to contribute to the garden design. Local initiative, the Targeted Lead Abatement Program (TLAP) will provide people to help clear and plant the garden, and the students will participate by planting and watering. 

Educational Outcomes  

Through hands-on experiences in planting, watering, and caring for native plants, children will learn about environmental stewardship and the importance of sustainable practices. Engaging with bush tucker and medicinal plants nurtures their respect for nature and encourages sustainable food sources and landcare.  

By creating mud maps and designing the layout of the garden, children develop spatial awareness and planning skills. They explore concepts of design and functionality, contributing their ideas to create a purposeful space. 

Activities such as growing and preparing bush foods, making lemon myrtle cordial, and watching pollinators like bees teach children about healthy food choices and the role of nature in well-being. Working together in the garden also strengthens social skills and grows a sense of community.  

Engaging in workshops with Tamika and learning about Aboriginal symbols, stories, and the cultural uses of plants provides children with meaningful insights into Aboriginal heritage. This hands-on cultural learning promotes respect, awareness, and a deeper connection to the cultural history of the land. 

 Conclusion 

This initiative demonstrates the significance of cultural learning and collaboration in achieving meaningful outcomes. The students gained valuable hands-on experience, and the Centre looks forward to the garden’s outcomes and ongoing community involvement.