We had an incredible day filled with over three hours of filming and cooking with ABC News! They came to learn all about our Dookerniny Garbala program, its students and the amazing native ingredients we use.
Several of our students were interviewed, sharing their experiences at Dianella Secondary College and expressing their pride in sharing their culture. It was heartwarming to see so many of our families in attendance, supporting this fantastic event.
The Dookerniny Garbala cooking program is a key initiative launched in 2021 by our dedicated Aboriginal Education Coordinator, Karalee Blake, and our inspiring Elder in Residence, Lesley Lee. This program offers students a real sense of belonging and an opportunity to thrive by engaging with their cultural heritage.
Through this initiative, our students not only build confidence and pride in their culture but also develop essential leadership and collaboration skills. They learn to create delicious meals and snacks for school events while gaining valuable knowledge about the cultural significance and nutritional benefits of native ingredients. The program also teaches students about budgeting, portion control, and meal preparation costs. It deepens their appreciation for traditional foods and their cultural heritage. We’re excited to share that we’re currently constructing a Bush Tucker space which was also filmed today! This will allow students to learn about growing and harvesting both bush tucker and other vegetables. The space also features a yarning circle and a mural and will eventually be open to the community.
Student Quotes:
“I am proud to be a part of this. The Dookerniny Garbala club shows us how resilient our culture is and how we can adapt to new things while teaching others.”
“Our teachers sometimes visit and ask to try our food. It’s nice to share our culture with them, and they usually say everything tastes yummy!”
“I have learned to be proud of my culture and to be a leader and role model for younger students, like when we teach primary school students how to use ingredients like sea parsley in dishes like garlic potatoes.”
A huge thank you to Michelle for capturing these happy moments! And all staff that dropped in to show their support the students. Please check out the July folder in the photo drive for more photos. We will update everyone on the release date of the feature once we have more information. Please congratulate our students on a job well done! They represented themselves, the program, their families, and our school with professionalism and pride.
Date: 25/07/2024
