Indigenous Garden Ceremony

Last term, Heathmont College ran a whole-school assembly to celebrate the official opening of our major art work and Indigenous garden space, depicting Bunjil and celebrating the First Nations peoples of this country. The installation was designed by Yorta Yorta and Wurundjeri artist, Simone Thomson, alongside Ms. Allana Constance, the Heathmont College school liaison for the Regional Arts Victoria Artist in Schools Grant. 

As a whole school event, the occasion invited important guests from the Department and our community to be part of an opening ceremony which included Welcome to Country from Aunty Zeta Thomson, Didgeridoo performance by Chris Hume and a Smoking Ceremony. 

Throughout Term 3, students were invited to be part of the designing for the 5 Kulin Nation shields which line the back of the garden. Year 9 students Emily M, Evie T and Stephanie M had just completed a research task on the topic. With guidance by Simone Thomson, these students were guided to create various designs which became the basis of the finished artwork.  Together, they continued researching The Kulin Nation, consisting of the five language groups who are the traditional owners:

• Boonwurrung (Boon-wur-rung)
• Dja Dja Wurrung (Jar-Jar-Wur-rung)
• Taungurung (Tung-ger-rung)
• Wathaurung (Wath-er-rung)
• Woiwurrung (Woy-wur-rung), commonly known as Wurundjeri.

They identified key characteristics of the Kulun Nation’s land, animals and history. From left to right the shields represent: Animal tracks, Spears and Boomerangs, Womenjika shield, Crow Feathers and a Gathering Circle. Simone also shared her own truth telling’s, sharing her own family history, cultural identity, and her connection to this beautiful land we stand on today. 

The designs were finalised by Simone and sent off to world renowned sculptor, Rob Bast. Rob is a self-taught sculptor form the Yarra Valley. He works with various materials such as wood, steel, ice, and stone. During lockdown, Rob sculpted the elements of Bunjil the Eagle, the Rainbow Serpent, and the Kulin Shields. 

This was an all-immersive project involving many staff and students here at the College, building connectedness to Indigenous culture and furthering our commitment to Indigenous Education. Cultural knowledge and understanding were at the centre of the initiative, ensuring we as a College community, are culturally responsive. We hope students and staff continue learning how to respectfully approach historical, social and cultural viewpoints of First Nation Peoples.