From 2012 to 2014, an innovative approach to Aboriginal Education at Tathra Public School has seen the completion of the Bush Tucker Garden that coincided with the school’s centenary.

The planting of two lilli pilli trees was carried out jointly by the DEC South Coast Director of Education and a local Aboriginal community member to link 100 years of public education to the education of Aboriginal peoples that took place on the same grounds for centuries before 2012.

The plants were donated by the Bega Valley Shire Council, making this a community partnership project between Tathra Public School and the Bega Valley Shire Council. The commemorative rock containing the engraved centenary plaque, located in the garden, was also donated and placed in the garden by Bega Valley Shire Council. Pavers bordering the Bush Tucker Garden were a fundraiser promoted by the school P&C. The pavers feature the artwork of community members.

Contributed by Tathra Public School published in 2015.