With SGCH’s support, the students at Bonnyrigg Public School illustrated and produced six beautiful books, creating the first-ever Darug language teaching resource. SGCH applied for and received funding from St Johns Park Bowling Club Ltd through Club Grants for this project. We’re proud of our relationship with Bonnyrigg Public School and the development of this important resource.

The ‘Bayala, Ngarala, Tiatila – Let’s Talk, Let’s Listen, Let’s Learn’ book set teaches students basic Darug vocabulary, covering topics such as numbers, body parts, country, family members, tools and weaponry, and animals. Each class at Bonnyrigg Public School has been provided with a set of books, and they have also been distributed to all 19 other schools in the education district, making them available to 12,000 students.

On Wednesday, 8 May, the books were officially launched by the school. The children whose illustrations were included received framed copies of their artworks. Sarah Mulcahy, Lead Connecting Communities South West Sydney, spoke at a special assembly and expressed her love for the whole school’s involvement in producing the books. “All students – no matter what their background – had the opportunity to contribute their drawings and to get familiar with some of the Darug words that are showcased.”

Marianne Siokos, Director of Educational Leadership for the Cowpasture education network, noted the deep pride evident in the children and the entire school community. “What an amazing achievement, one that will go a long way towards embedding the Darug language and culture into the school and local community.”

The launch received good media coverage, with students appearing on ABC Radio and being featured on ABC TV news. Channel 7’s Sunrise program also ran weather crosses to students at the primary school from 6 am.