Kooloora Preschool is situated in the grounds of Toukley Public School and is one of 11 Department of Education designated Aboriginal preschools in NSW, and the only designated Aboriginal preschool on the Central Coast.
Thanks to a grant from the Wallarah 2 Community Foundation, Kooloora Preschool can now commence work on an extension to their existing Bush Tucker Garden, which was originally established in 2013.
Preschool Teacher, Ms Brianna Thomas, explains that there is still a large section of land within the Toukley Public School boundary which remains vacant.
“This grant will enable Kooloora Preschool to extend the size of the existing bush tucker garden to create an Aboriginal landscape,” Ms Thomas said.
“The landscape will be infused with a greater diversity of bush tucker plants that are predominantly native to the local area, that would have the capacity to teach children, families and the wider community about how food was sourced and plants used and valued in traditional Aboriginal life.
“As well, it will support the local ecosystem and encourage biodiversity.
“It will also increase home food production for our families and reduce the community’s reliance on processed, packaged foods and unnecessary waste.
“It is hoped that it will incorporate a fire pit as a centrepiece for communal gatherings, yarns and corroborees for children, their families and the wider community,” Ms Thomas continued.
“This bush tucker garden will provide a ‘living’ classroom, a classroom that can help produce food, be incorporated into various curricula program areas, and offer experiential learning to students who may otherwise not readily engage in the classroom environment.
“Enhancing this existing bush tucker garden will increase parent and community involvement and will build life skills which can help to transition Aboriginal people into the professional workforce/employment.
“It is anticipated that this project will be complete in approximately 6 months from the commencement date”, Ms Thomas said.
Source:
Media release, Oct 30
Sandra Dunshea, Wallarah 2