Moon on Water

A Wheatbelt school has opened a bush tucker garden which features more than 40 native edible plants.

Meckering Primary School’s bush tucker garden is named ‘Moon on Water’, which is the Noongar translation of Meckering.

Students learn about Aboriginal culture, sustainability, and STEM through working in the garden. It also serves as an outdoor classroom for learning about and connecting with nature.

Additional features of the Moon on Water garden include in-ground worm farms, wicking garden propagation beds, QR code signs that students can scan and learn from, and artworks featuring the six Noongar seasons.

School community members came together for the official opening of the garden in Term 4, which included a Welcome to Country, a QR garden quest challenge, performance, and bush tucker lunch.

Meckering Primary School principal Caroline Whitelock said the garden was the result of three years of planning and hard work.

“The establishment of our Moon on Water garden is a result of the commitment and enthusiasm of our dedicated staff, students, and the wider community,” she said.

“Their generous support has been instrumental in making this vision a reality.”

Ms Whitelock said the entire school community was proud of the garden.

“Our pride in the Moon on Water garden is immeasurable, and we eagerly anticipate its ongoing care, growth, and expansion,” she said.

“This garden stands for more than just a botanical space; it signifies our unwavering commitment to reconciliation and our profound respect for the rich culture of Australia's First Nations peoples.

“It also provides a safe place for our children to play, and a treasure for our community to enjoy for years to come.”