Students Engage with Country, Culture and Community through Bush to Bowl

A memorable day unfolded at Duri Hall last Thursday during the ‘Bush to Bowl’ event, proudly hosted by Tamworth Regional Landcare Association and supported by the Tamworth Aboriginal Lands Council and the Warrumbungle Environmental Education Centre.

The event welcomed 120 students from Stages 4, 5 and 6, along with their teachers, representing schools from across the Tamworth region. Bush to Bowl from Sydney, who were the presenters of the day, delivered a rich blend of cultural learning and environmental education. Students engaged in hands-on activities exploring native flora, traditional bush foods, and Indigenous ecological knowledge.

Highlights of the day included guided bush tucker tastings featuring native fruits, herbs and spices, and the opportunity to sample locally brewed bush teas such as lemon myrtle and wattle seed. Plant identification sessions, led by ‘Bush to Bowl’ experts, allowed students to learn about the ecological roles of native species as well as their traditional uses in cooking, medicine, and ceremony.

Kate Spry, Landcare Youth and Education Coordinator for the North West region, reflected on the impact of the day:
“The students came away with more than just knowledge of bush tucker – they gained a deeper understanding of connection to land and the cultural significance embedded in the plants and practices shared throughout the day. It was wonderful to see young people engaging so respectfully and thoughtfully with the stories and knowledge presented.”

Feedback from participating schools has been positive, with strong interest expressed in future events that continue to foster this important intersection of culture, environment and education.

The second component of this initiative, featuring further exploration of native bush tucker, tree planting, Aboriginal artefacts, and cultural walks, is scheduled to take place on Schools Tree Day—Friday, 25th July 2025—aligning with National Tree Day celebrations.