The Federal Community Preschools Bush Tucker Living Classroom
Co-ordinator - MandalaThis project provides a ‘living classroom’ for the children of the Federal Community Preschool and a meeting and learning place for the whole Community. Rachel Heaton , a local parent is the Project Manager. the main aim is to build an increased awareness and connection for the children with in the community.We have already started to document the animals we have seen on our regular visits to the garden. This project involved the creation of a ‘Bush Foods Garden Working Group’ in Reconciliation Week 2014.
The Bush Tucker LivingCclassroom is a wonderful opportunity to learn about our local bush foods with clear interactive signage. The area was set up for the children of the Federal Community Preschool as a meeting and learning place for the whole Community. The main aim is to increase the natural habitat for local fauna and build an increased awareness and connection to nature. The garden is our way of showing our complete respect for the original custodians of the area. The ‘Bush Foods Garden Working Group’ in Reconciliation Week 2014 included the local Landcare group, Federal Preschool Director Mandala, local Widjabul custodians Auntie Dory Gordon and Karen Roberts, Byron Council and preschool parents . The garden replaced lantana with as has many of the local plant species from our surrounding Subtropical Rainforest – species which offer current and traditional cultural use.
This design adds to local biodiversity and offers many opportunities for the whole community to be involved and learn about caring for our environment, including employment opportunities for the local Indigenous communities.
The Garden is available for community projects as they arise, such as the building of a sustainable shelter, weaving and field days, and compliments existing community amenities – including ecological restoration work Byron Shire Council has undertaken as part of the Bush Futures Project.
The garden has been an inspiration to 100’s of schools and early Educational and care services.
Rachel Heaton, the Project Manager has complied an amazing `Bush Food for Children of the Northern Rivers’ book with Federal Preschool . A special thank you to Phil Gallagher for the photo used for the cover. These are available for $30 each. Funds go directly towards to maintenance of the garden.
Bookings can be made for tours of the garden for school groups via our email. These are run by Rachel. The tours can be tailored to suit your groups needs. There is also a separate private option via `Vision Walks Eco tours’ who employs Auntie Delta Kay on the some weekends or directly with Auntie Delta via Explore Byron. Contact Rachael on 0405275743 to make a booking.
Our current focus is still on obtaining funding to install a variety of nesting boxes. Please donate via the donation box or purchase a book.
The Bush Food Educational Garden is available for community projects as they arise, such as the building of a sustainable shelter and field days, and compliments existing community amenities – including ecological restoration work Byron Shire Council has undertaken as part of the Bush Futures Project. Working closely with Byron Shire Council, the Federal Park Committee, community, local schools and Landcare groups is one of our priorities. One of our project aims was to create a Harvesting Guide’ and booklet for the children of the Northern Rivers. This became a reality in 2015. This guide provides valuable knowledge for everyone about our local bush tucker. We aim to inspire others to plant bush foods from their region and take the time to appreciate nature and the beautiful native animals we have in our local communities.
Rachel Heaton, the Project Manager has complied an amazing `Bush Food for Children of the Northern Rivers’ book. The book was designed by BCreative Pty Ltd. A special thank you to Phil Gallagher for the photo used for the cover. These are available for $20 each. Funds go towards to maintenance of the garden.
Bookings can be made for tours of the garden for school groups via our email. These are run by Rachel Heaton. The tours can be tailored to suit your groups needs. There are also a separate private option via `Vision Walks Eco tours’ who employs Auntie Delta Kay on the some weekends. Contact 0405275743 to make a booking. $5 from each booking goes towards the maintenance of the garden.
Our current focus is still on obtaining funding to support the sustainability of the garden. This will include funding for the Project Managers Position and to employ local Widjabul custodians to assist with the garden maintenance and for tours. Please donate via the donation box or purchase a book to help out.