Prioritising education in the great outdoors

There’s nothing like an outdoor classroom and practical experience when it comes to complementing primary school lessons.

The Wollongong Botanic Gardens has launched a new school excursion program which offers new ways for students to have hands-on learning experiences as well as practical field work activities and nature play.

“We know different students learn in different ways and nothing beats the practical application of classroom experiences in the outdoors,’’ Wollongong City Council’s Education and Outreach Specialist Sam Crosby said.

“We’ve spent a lot of time over the past few months taking a close look at the educational opportunities offered through the Gardens, and we’re really excited with the new choices for schools and students.’’

The new program will see the Green Connect Farm bringing their experience to the Garden by providing primary school excursions that cover the science and geography curriculum while Gumaraa Aboriginal Education and Cultural Experiences will deliver a new Aboriginal cultural excursion. Both new programs are designed to complement the Garden’s existing in-house educational program that is delivered by Council’s dedicated environmental educators. This program features workshops on topics like composting, FOGO, worm farming, recycling and Council’s Tiny Forests initiative.

“Both Green Connect Farm and Gumaraa have well-established connections in Wollongong and are recognised for their connection to community,’’ she said.

“Green Connect have delivered school-based learning programs at their Warrawong site since 2019 and will be bringing these skills and experience to the Garden environment.

“We know there is a lot of interest from schools and the community to learn more about Aboriginal culture. I’m pleased to see Gumaraa are able to join us here at the foothills of Mt Keira (Djeera) and share their knowledge about shelter bush tucker and Dreamtime stories with students.’’

Green Connect’s Robert Servine said they’ve been providing educational experiences for students for six years.

"Since 2019, we’ve supported thousands of students to get their hands dirty, ask questions, and discover how food is grown,’’ he said.

“We’re excited to now bring that experience to the Gardens—linking curriculum to real-world sustainability in a beautiful and accessible outdoor space."

Lisa Bazzano, co-director, Gumaraa Aboriginal experience said they were is excited to launch a new cultural program at the gardens, that celebrates the traditions and stories of First Nations peoples.

This hands-on program gives people the chance to experience bush foods, learn how traditional shelters and canoes were made, and hear local stories that have been passed down for generations.

The program helps people better understand and respect Aboriginal culture, land, and history. Participants will get to taste native bush tucker, see how natural materials were used to build shelters and canoes, and sit in on storytelling sessions that bring ancient knowledge to life.

“This isn’t just about learning facts — it’s about connecting with Country and listening to the voices of the past,’’ she said.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said supporting community education opportunities was a vital piece of the work done at the Wollongong Botanic Garden.

“The Gardens aren’t just a beautiful space to visit. They’re where our dedicated teams are undertaking vital conservation works and where we’re able to facilitate a wide range of educational opportunities,’’ she said.

“Programs like the school excursions program as well as various environmental workshops that are open to the public provide the opportunity for people to learn more about the history of where they live, the environment and conservation.

“I’m really excited to see these new programs come online and work in conjunction with the wide range of educational opportunities already on offer at the garden. I can’t wait to hear the feedback from students who attend.’’

Schools interested in learning more about the new programs can visit the Wollongong Botanic Garden’s website.