Fire pit lights up indigenous garden at Kurnai College

A fire pit donated by Gippsland Water was lit for the first time at Kurnai College Churchill campus recently.

The fire pit was donated in support of the school’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group and placed in an indigenous garden, where it will be used to facilitate campfire yarning sessions and other gatherings.

Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the opportunity to partner on the initiative came about during discussions on opportunities to support local Aboriginal people.

“We wanted to help Kurnai College support Aboriginal people to thrive in their education and gain meaningful long-term careers locally,” Ms Cumming said.

“The indigenous garden is an important initiative designed to encourage young local Aboriginal people to engage in conversations in an educational setting.

“It will help them create even more valuable moments of knowledge sharing, storytelling and learning – assisting Kurnai College in the great work they already do.

“I’d also like to extend a big thank you to Allform Industries for crafting the fire pit.”

Kurnai College principal Anthony Rodaughan said the school was grateful to Gippsland Water.

“The pit will help create conversations in a safe place, help build connections with community and mob, and will contribute in a culturally positive way to better mental health and student and family support,” Mr Rodaughan said.

“Gippsland Water’s expertise, generosity and understanding is acknowledged with thanks.”

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