First People's Garden at Western Sydney University's Campbelltown campus open
Western Sydney University has celebrated the opening of the First People's Garden at the University's Campbelltown campus.
Created in collaboration with the D'harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holders Circle, the garden features native plants used for food, medicine, and ceremony, along with stories passed down through generations, offering a deeper connection to Country.
Professor Michelle Trudgett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Indigenous Leadership, said that the garden is a tribute to the Ancestral Knowledges and cultural heritage of the D'harawal peoples, inspired by Yandelora – the lands of peace between peoples.
“Western Sydney University is incredibly proud to open the First People's Garden at our Campbelltown campus,” said Professor Trudgett.
‘We thank the D'harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holders Circle for sharing their knowledge and stories with us to bring the garden to life.”
“It will be a special place to connect with Country and is now open for all to enjoy. We encourage students, staff and our community to visit the garden and reflect.”
Embracing an Indigenous-led process, the design was developed with the support of Western’s Elders Advisory Committee.
It features art by Shannon Foster that includes representations of many plants and animals that also have deep Ancestral connections to these lands and the D’harawal peoples.
The garden incorporates three lore/truth hills, running water symbolic of the local river systems, and diverse flora representing the D’harawal people's seasonal climate cycles.
There will be audio featuring Ancestral Dreaming Stories and deep lessons from these Stories shared by Elders and Knowledge Holders.
Learn more about the First People's Garden at Western Sydney University's Campbelltown campus here (opens in a new window).
ENDS
10 March 2025
Ali Sardyga, Senior Media Officer
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.