Children, staff and parents at Broulee Early Learning Centre were deeply affected by the devastating bushfires that swept through the south coast of NSW last Christmas, with several losing homes, IEU Journalist Sue Osborne writes.
After the fires, new life blossoms
This project can help heal some of the trauma and recreate a positive relationship and respect for the land and environment around us.
Winning the IEU Environment Grant was a great boost to their efforts to rejuvenate their damaged centre and reconnect with nature in a positive way.
“We were so thrilled, it’s all part of a healing process we’re going through,” Teacher Claire Drake said.
The $3000 grant will be used to plant natives such as Daviesia (bitter peas) and Gompholobium (glory peas) that will enhance sustainability and attract the non-stinging bees that will be housed in ‘bee hotels’ on the roof of the playground equipment, a structure that will be purpose built and located near the back fence, backing onto bush.
The large purpose built centre, which services nearly 100 0-5-year-olds, is only seven years old but during the fires it lost many of the native trees along its fence line and a storage shed for playground equipment. Combined with a sandy, drought affected soil, the centre’s exterior areas were in need of some ‘TLC’.
Working with playground designers, Claire and the team researched what kind of flowers would bring their centre back to life.
“This project can help heal some of the trauma and recreate a positive relationship and respect for the land and environment around us.
“Some of the kids have had to mature a lot with what they’ve experienced, it’s not been an easy thing, even for the adults,” Claire said.
The environment plays a strong role in everyone’s life in Broulee, with the beach walking distance from the centre.
As part of their Kinder Bush Program, the children learn how the bush changes and how bees pollinate plants and they are allowed to get into bushland, climb logs, explore and play. The grant project provides a springboard for learning opportunities.
“We have an apple tree that’s only produced one apple so far, so we’ll be talking about how the bees will pollinate plants, generate food and regenerate the bush.”
Claire said there have been no concerns from the family body about the non-stinging bee hotels.
“The children will be monitoring the whole project as it develops. We will invite input from children to choose plants that produce flowers to attract the type of bees that we want”.
“The children are bringing their awareness to nature and the marvellous things it can do.”