On Friday, the large school community gathered for a special NAIDOC-themed assembly and launch of the cultural learning space among the trees alongside the school oval.

The idea was floated a couple of years ago by teacher Richard Lane and taken on with enthusiasm by Emma Whitbread and the school P&C committee this year.

It saw the pupils create colourfully painted wood rounds destined to become stepping stones in the outdoor area. However, it took on such interest in the greater school community that Ms Whitbread said more than 100 families have now purchased wood rounds for what will become a pathway to a community meeting circle. Along the path will be various activities and creative spaces for the pupils to enjoy.

Ms Whitbread said “ideas like this can only become reality when you’re part of a great community”.

She particularly thanked the people and businesses that donated the wood, paint and countless hours of brainstorming that have gone into the planning of the outdoor cultural learning space.

Pambula P&C president Anna Quinlan said the space will “enrich the lives of everyone in Pambula”. She also thanked the wider community as with the purchase of wood rounds to paint and special lunch items for Friday’s assembly, around $2500 had already been collected to go back into the space’s development.

Special guests at the assembly included Indigenous youth worker and NAIDOC 2016 Youth of the Year Nathan Lygon, and Eden Aboriginal Consultative Group president Meaghan Holt.

Mr Lygon offered some insight into the region’s cultural history and language, saying “there’s a lot of magic in this area and its language”. 

School principal Meg Couvée said she was proud to lead a school that had such a rich community and particularly proud of the pupils for working together in creating a space the whole community could enjoy.