The Yumbin Learning Garden

This important space is dedicated to learning, connecting and growing … both with plants and with each other. From the moment I entered the gates and into the garden area, there was absolutely a feeling of excitement. The parents, students, staff, dancers from Kingaroy SHS, South Burnett Council mayor Kathy Duff, councillor Danita Potter, local businesses and community members gathered to acknowledge Country, hear the story behind the garden, and most importantly, get their hands into the soil.

This beautiful space was made possible through a collaboration with Kidsmob. Charlotte and Charlie were key partners in bringing this project to life. Their passion, energy, and hands on support, combined with the drive of school staff and the wider community, helped turn a vision into something real and lasting.

“We’ve called it the “Yumbin Learning Garden” explained Jo (Jolean Raines, staff member and project organiser). “Yumbin means ‘we’ or ‘us’ in some Aboriginal languages and that really captures what this garden is all about. It’s not just about planting, it’s about people, and learning together.” The garden features native bush tucker plants, a yarning circle of beautiful sandstone blocks and plenty of space for students to explore, reflect and engage with nature. I’m sure the children will really enjoy using this space regularly.

The garden is nicely designed to be a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge is respected and shared. It’s where students can learn through doing, by way of science, arts, history, geography and literacy. I feel it will potentially be an important place for quiet reflection too. I was chuffed to help celebrate and attend this opening and it was a great feeling to be planting native bush tucker plants and edibles with the children. Thanks Jo for the opportunity.

I tried to make sure (as did other people) that the labels were visible when the seedlings were planted and watered; understandable that the mulching was happening later in the afternoon.
Following the fantastic efforts will be the long lasting benefits. The children will have the opportunity to grow and nurture the plants, as well as share the produce with others.

For everyone, the day was more than an opening. It was a celebration of culture, community and connection to Country. With every seedling planted and every conversation shared, the garden is already doing what it was designed to do: bringing people together. I can’t wait to return in the future and see the growth and well deserved pride.

As Jo summed it up so thoughtfully: “This garden isn’t just about growing food, it’s about growing understanding, respect, and connection. It’s about reconciliation through action, starting with learning.” The Yumbin Learning Garden is now officially OPEN and ready for many hands, many stories and many seasons of growth ahead.

Thank you so much Jo for inviting me to your celebration; I really enjoyed my morning at Taabinga State School and wish you and the students of Taabinga SS all the best. Yes, I felt welcome, curious and inspired.