www.firstnationstelegraph.com
Budburra’s Garden launched in Cherbourg
by Tanya Schneider
Budburra Books Inc., a Cherbourg-based community Indigenous literacy organisation, launched their new book Budburra’s Garden. Budburra’s Garden: Eating Colours is the 12th book in the Budburra Books range, and is inspired by the healthy eating-concept of “eat a rainbow everyday”. The different food colour groups also allow early years children to learn their colours as they journey through Budburra’s yummy garden (“Budburra” is a local Aboriginal language word for echidna). The launch was a fun-filled event, attended by local school-children and parents, community members and elders. Many of the children present had been involved in the art workshops which produced the illustrations for the book, along with Cherbourg adult artist group, the Yidding artists, who are long-term partners with
Budburra Books. The afternoon was MCed by Aunty Grace Bond. Budburra Chairperson Robert “Rocko” Langton revealed the book, which was then read to the crowd by Cherbourg elder, Aunty Ada Simpson. Rocko then led the singing of the song to go with the book, and which will soon be available as a free download from the Budburra Books website. Then it was time for the “Junior Murri Chef” competition. Six teams of two children created one vegetable salad and one fruit salad each, which were then presented to guest judges (Sheree Strauss of Cherbourg Yurri Muntha Café, Jo Kemp from The Ration Shed, and Tarita Fisher from Cherbourg Community Health). The dishes were judged on taste, presentation and creativity, and prizes were awarded. All children at the launch received a free copy of the book, there were art activities
The Speedy Family had a terrific time. Front: Ngaire, Nakitah, Jo-Wellah and back, mum Nicky, Jackron, dad Joe, Nanna Hazel and Jonty. All the children received a free book.
provided by Robyn Langton and a “rainbow of food” was devoured. This particular project was made possible by a generous donation from BP’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and partnership with The Smith Family. Representatives from both BP and The Smith Family attended the launch, and were impressed by the turn out and the community’s enthusiasm for the book. Other partners during the development of this book project were The Ration Shed, Cherbourg Community Health,
L-R: Renowned Cherbourg artist Venus Rabbitt, supported her granddaughter Mirandah BondBlackman. Both were contributing artists to the book. Junior Murri Chefs.
Beverly Hand of www. mimburi.com.au, the Cherbourg Yidding artists, Ratartat Artists, and the many community members and elders who contributed to the text and artwork. This truly is a community-owned project. Previous books in the Budburra range have made the Notables List of the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, and have been included in the National Curriculum. More information on this exciting Community Literacy project can be found at www. budburrabooks.com.au
Page 1