Participants in the garinga djimbayang Growing Traditional Foods on Gunaikurnai Country Project gathered at the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) head office in Kalimna West recently to celebrate the completion of their groundbreaking agriculture program.
Delivered through a partnership between GLaWAC, Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place, and TAFE Gippsland, the pilot initiative marks the first Traditional Owner-led TAFE course established in Victoria.
A total of 26 participants enrolled throughout the year, building on prior studies in Certificate II in Horticulture. Students gathered on Tuesday, August 11, to receive formal participation certificates recognizing their engagement and practical achievements.
Training was conducted on site at the Wulgunggo Ngalu Bush Foods Nursery at Macks Creek, near Wurruk.
GLaWAC project lead garinga Sam Monks said the initiative was specifically designed to strengthen self-determination while building First Nations leadership within the commercial bush foods sector.
“Our project is a pilot program and is the first Traditional Owner Corporation-led TAFE course in Victoria,” Mr Monks said.
“It was specifically designed to strengthen self-determination, increase leadership, and participation of the Gippsland Aboriginal Community in the bush foods industry.”
TAFE Gippsland program coordinator Sharon Walker highlighted the blend of practical skills and cultural connection embedded in the curriculum.
“From growing bush foods to understanding healthy soils and plant propagation, participants developed practical skills throughout the program that they can take into further education or employment,” Ms Walker said.
“It’s also a great opportunity to build relationships and create connections to community. Participants learn in a variety of ways and in different environments. For example, they took part in a cultural walk and talk at The Knob Reserve in Stratford, where they explored bush tucker, cultural sites, and Native Title.”
TAFE Gippsland chief executive officer James Montgomery attended the ceremony to congratulate the graduating cohort, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to supporting First Nations learning pathways across Gippsland.
“We’re proud to work with GLaWAC on this program and bring First Nations knowledge and practices into training,” Mr Montgomery said.
“We look forward to many more participants coming through the program and receiving their certification.”
