Nestled in a beautiful bush setting, the Bribie Island Community Kindergarten offers children a chance to connect with nature and build an appreciation for the traditions and knowledge of the Gubbi Gubbi people from an early age.
Their 2019 Indigenous Languages Grant supported the kindy to work with Traditional Elders to help promote, preserve and revitalise the Gubbi Gubbi language as a sign of reconciliation and acknowledgement of the First Nations people of Bribie Island.
The kindergarten's Volunteer Elder Uncle Ron and Gubbi Gubbi Elders led the Kindergarten children along the Joondoburri Walk at Shirley Creek Reserve to identify places, animals and nature in Gubbi Gubbi language. The traditions and knowledge they shared, including the traditional names and uses for local plants, is now available to all visitors along the walking trail through permanent signage.
Along with their new yarning circle, the kindergarten community celebrated the opening of the Joondoburri Walk with Traditional Owners and First Nations people with a special event.
Highlighting the Gubbi Gubbi language with the wider Bribie Island community remains a priority for the kindergarten and their second Indigenous Language Grant will see their signage project at the Joondoburri Walk extended, as well as the creation of a new children’s book to teach local families about the culture and environment of the area.