Beenleigh State High School last week celebrated a belated NAIDOC week with the unveiling of its new bush tucker trail, large rainbow serpent sculpture and mural to local elders.
The new garden features a variety of native bush foods, including saltbush and Gumbi Gumbi, that were planted by students.
Next to the garden trail is a large snake sculpture, decorated by colourful stones.
And inside the school hall is a student-made mural of local elders, their photos circling a “fire as they have a yarn”.
Each of the elders was nominated by a First Nations student.
At the unveiling of the school’s new features, students performed dances, read poems and spoke about what their elders mean to them.
Local elder Aunty Robyn Williams said it was important to celebrate Indigenous Australian cultures every day, not just in NAIDOC week.
“For all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, NAIDOC is every day of the year,” Aunty Robyn said.
“It’s something people should acknowledge in all their workplaces… and today we’re here to celebrate our culture.
“Don’t just walk by… but ask questions because that’s the best way to learn.”
The school’s principal, Matt Morgan, agreed with Aunty Robyn about the importance of celebrating NAIDOC every day.
“The wonderful aspect I love about Beenleigh State High School is the sense of belonging and understanding of who we are – most importantly to each other,” he said.
“For our elders, today is about respect and about understanding the journeys they’ve taken.
“Many of our kids helped to make the rainbow serpent with guidance from our elders, who taught them the importance of representation and understanding of history.”
The school celebrated NAIDOC with its students, parents and partners.
