Queensland, Australia – Redland Hospital has recently unveiled a new bush tucker garden featuring a variety of Indigenous plants, providing both a serene community space and a cultural hub for visitors.
Constructed during NAIDOC Week festivities, the garden was made possible through generous donations of plants and supplies from Bunnings Capalaba and Victoria Point. The initiative was spearheaded by the Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation, alongside enthusiastic contributions from their men’s group who dedicated their efforts to building garden beds, preparing soil, and planting native flora.
Designed to offer a tranquil retreat, particularly for First Nations peoples and their families during hospital visits, the garden is a testament to community collaboration and cultural preservation.
Elder Ron Corbett emphasized the significance of these plantings for the Indigenous community. “Planting more trees provides our people with a comforting view during breaks here,” he noted. Ron, who participated in the initial garden planting in 2019, expressed his satisfaction at the continued integration of native species, such as River Mint and Gumby Gumby.
Men’s group member Merv Gillespie highlighted the practical uses of these plants, noting that River Mint is not only suitable for culinary purposes like salads and cooking, but also offers a refreshing option for chewing. “Gumby Gumby, with its small blackberries, has been traditionally used as bush medicine,” Merv added.
Looking ahead, both men expressed eagerness for future visits to Minjerribah elders to further their understanding of traditional uses of native plants. “These plants are part of our heritage and play important practical roles, so preserving this knowledge is crucial,” they affirmed.
The new bush tucker garden at Redland Hospital stands not only as a symbol of cultural pride and community resilience but also as a living testament to the enduring value of Indigenous knowledge and traditions in contemporary society.
