Leopold kinder unveils Indigenous garden

EDUCATORS and parents at Leopold Kindergarten celebrated the unveiling of the centre’s Indigenous garden.

Marked by a smoking ceremony from Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Stephanie (Anie) Skinner, the official opening ceremony was the culmination of months planning and work with those involved seeking guidance from Indigenous groups on its design and the appropriate vegetation to be included.

To support and oversee the project that involved educators and members of the Parents Advisory Group (PAG), the centre involved a Koorie Engagement and Support Officer from the department of education and training to oversee the work.

“The Indigenous garden took a long time to plan and complete as we sought extensive indigenous input into indigenous and native plants,” PAG member Aileen Traynor said.
Thanking Ms Skinner for attending the opening, Ms Traynor said “it was great to finally have the garden officially open after a long process”.

“The children absolutely love playing in it and it is used each and every day.”

Layout for the inclusive play area includes a riverbed that is fed only by a rainwater tank, in keeping with a desire for the area to reflect a focus on the environment and features indigenous plants.

The garden is based around indigenous design and plants.