The Joondoburri Walk Book

By Alistair Gray

Simply fabulous! The Joondoburri Walk Book is a superb example of collaboration, learning and engagement. It involves bringing together a group of young Bribie Island Community Kindergarten children in an active learning process with parents, the local Aboriginal community and teachers to produce an outstanding educational resource for the whole community to learn from and enjoy.

Inside are pictures of local plants and trees found on the Joondoburri Walk, drawings by the kids of the different plants and explanations of how local Aborigines use these plants along with their ties to culture and ancestors. The commentary is provided by various members of our local indigenous community, supported by a local botanist and author Alan Carr. It was all brought together with some clever graphic design and the help of an Indigenous Languages Grant.

I spoke with head teacher Narelle Dawson, who said the project started in 2016 as an action research project.

“We wanted our children to engage in nature and build their knowledge and engagement with nature,” she said.

From here, it all progressively developed. From establishing the Joondoburri Walk, the involvement of local elders and the Moreton Bay Regional Council, who own the land, it’s been a long slow journey of collaboration and support. Today, they are seeking further funding to improve the pathways for better wheelchair access, particularly along the creek bed. The book has been gifted to local schools, learning centres, libraries and those who have contributed to the book. The walk book has attracted interest from educational consultants and naturists, with Narelle and her team heading off on a speaking tour to Western Australia in May.

Copies of the Joondoburri Walk Book can be purchased from the Bribie Island Seaside Museum or by emailing yarn@pieec.com.au