Reconciliation garden for Mossman High

A CORNER of Mossman State High School, nestled in behind lush playing fields, is being transformed into an important place of reflection and growth for students.

The Reconciliation Garden is taking shape under the guidance of the school’s Agricultural Assistant Neil Pacey who for years has seen potential in the site.

“I pass this area every day and I think it is one of the most beautiful spots at the school, with established trees and the rainforest growth. So I thought I could do something with it,” Mr Pacey said

“We want to create an area where the kids come down to try traditional foods and native bush tucker. It could be used as a teaching space with medicinal plants and of course there’ll be some established trees as well.”

Mr Pacey said he had worked with First Nations groups to ensure the garden wasn’t based on a “white-man’s perspective of an indigenous garden”.

Mossman based Aboriginal Corporation Jabalbina will be assisting with the project – Reef Assist project coordinator Jason Petersen said it was a positive initiative.

“It’s a good little project for the kids to actually learn about natives and what there is to eat (in native gardens),” Mr Petersen said.

“Once it’s fully established, it won’t matter if kids have left their lunch at home, they can just come down and have a feed.

“Hopefully the kids can make it their own and have a bit of pride.”

School captain Andaman Travis said he was looking forward to seeing the completed project.

“It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful garden and anything we can do to give respect to the Indigenous people is amazing,” Andaman said.

“A lot of high school kids get stressed because of their work; they get very stressed because of personal issues.

“So to have a garden where you can come just chill out and sit down and reconnect with yourself or feel nature - it’s going to be a really good addition to the school.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr attended the garden’s official opening during Reconciliation Week.

“It is exciting to think the garden will provide a meaningful place for the school community to gather and reflect for years to come,” he said.

“I am looking forward to seeing how students and teachers involved in this garden grow in their understanding of reconciliation and of course seeing this space flourish.”