The Spring Gully Kindergarten is acknowledging Bendigo's Aboriginal history with a new permanent sculpture.
The statue of Bunjil - the wedge-tailed eagle creator god revered by the region's Indigenous community - was created by Jaara woman Natasha Carter along with fellow artist Andre Sardone.
"This came about after Aunty Julie McHale came and shared some Dja Dja Wurrung teachings with us and we learnt about Bunjil," the kindergarten's nominated supervisor Melodie Russell said. "That planted the seed of the idea.
"It really fits in with our philosophy around implementing and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within our program - particularly paying closer attention to the local First Nations people, the Dja Dja Wurrung."
The kindergarten's Parent Advisory Group commissioned the sculpture through the Dja Dja Wurrung Local Aboriginal Clans Corporation.
Ms Russell said the whole kindergarten community has embraced the new artwork.
"We're using it every day," she said. "We stand underneath it and do an acknowledgement of country every day. It's really coming in to our program quite a lot."
The Spring Gully Kindergarten operates under early years education providers, Shine Bright EYM.
The sculpture's installation coincides with Shine Bright's Board of Management formally adopting a Reconciliation Action Plan.
"The plan is instrumental in developing culturally safe environments that enhance the opportunities for children and families to learn and develop," Shine Bright chief executive Suzi Sordan said.
"Embedding cultural perspectives within our organisation's practice is critical to further strengthen inclusion, positive engagement and strengthening of partnerships to achieve the best outcomes for our children, families and staff."
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Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
