After securing funds from the NSW Environmental Trust Eco Schools grant, the vision of a bush track, bush tucker garden and outdoor ‘sitting’ space has come to fruition at Pacific Palms Public School.
Teachers, parents, students and community have worked together to create the Yalawanyi Project – an inspiring outdoor educational area comprising a bush tucker and medicine garden, outdoor learning space with fire pit, and impressive artworks created by students. Necessary to establish strong cultural and environmental links, it provides opportunities for students, teachers and community to connect to Country. The Yalawanyi Project utilises the school’s own natural resources by regenerating an existing, unusable bush track to aesthetically enhance the area, whilst simultaneously creating a sustainable learning environment.
In consultation with local Elder Steve Brereton, and with continued involvement from teachers, students and community members, the cultural benefits for the environment will include identification of local traditional plants and their uses, habitat creation for local flora and fauna, and a peaceful retreat in which to read, learn or simply engage with nature.
