Jugiong Public School is the successful recipient of a $3,500 NSW Government Eco Schools grant for their Wiradjuri Yarning Place and Bush Tucker project, Member for Cootamundra Katrina Hodgkinson has announced. The Eco Schools Grant Program aims to promote environmental awareness and appreciation for school students. Katrina said Jugiong Public School’s project is to create a traditional Wiradjuri garden and landscape, allowing students to learn about totems, local culture and practices and Dream Time stories.
Students will also create a bush tucker garden and yarning circle using traditional Wiradjuri plants for cooking, with the support of the Riverina Environmental Education Centre. Principal of Jugiong Public School, Judy McFadyen said that Jugiong is part of a significant Wiradjuri landscape that follows the songlines from the Cunningham Valley in Harden to Jugiong. As part of the ‘Yalbinyagirri Project’, Jugiong Public School will develop a special function learning space including a bush tucker garden and yarning place overlooking the Murrumbidgee River. “This is a wonderful project and I am pleased Jugiong Public School students will be able to participate in this hands-on environmental experience,” Katrina said. Grants of $3500 were awarded to 80 schools including 22 schools catering for special needs.
