Warringga Committee Connecting To Country

The Warringga Committee have recently been recognised for their dedication and hard work to support the local First Nations community to connect with country. In late October they were awarded by the Governor of South Australia at Government House for outstanding and consistent contributions to the needs, interests and welfare of children.

Based out of Pooraka Farm Community Centre, The Warringga Committee were nominated for the award by the OMEP SA Chapter (the World Organisation of Early Childhood Education and Care) to show recognition and appreciation of the committee’s projects that focus on educating Aboriginal people on how to research and be confident in presenting their culture.

The committee organise grassroots initiatives like outings for planting Australian native plants to allow people to nurture and care for country, as well as establishing bush food gardens in partnership with schools, universities, council and Friends groups.

The members have had quite a busy year in 2023, undertaking a number of projects with culture and country at the forefront. This year they have facilitated Cultural Guide workshops on Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), hosted a community workshop with South Australian Native Plant expert Neville Bonney and supported schools in establishing Bush Food Gardens, among other things.

They also worked in partnership with Uncle Frank Wanganeen and Paul Herzich of Mantirri design on a project that used the culturally significant story of the Parafield Vernal Pools and the Dingo, Bukkibukki, to create artwork for the iconic Salisbury Clock Tower. The artworks are Kaurna cultural markers of two ancient stories within the local Salisbury area, which the group hope to do more of in the City of Salisbury.

The Chair of Warringga Committee, Misty Taylor, said of the award:

‘The Warringga Committee’s vision is for the local community to establish a number of areas (a trail, track or garden) that can boost local biodiversity and provide valuable education opportunities for local community members. To offer experiences with Aboriginal educators in an ongoing and developmental way whereby participants get the opportunity to get to know Aboriginal people, Kaurna Language and to experience Traditional Ecological Knowledge in a hands-on manner (connection to country).

‘The Warringga Committee is very grateful for receiving this award as it recognises the important work we do in partnership with schools, TAFEs, Universities, local councils and Friends groups to establish long term relationships with Aboriginal people.’ City of Salisbury commends the Warringa Committee, with the support of the Pooraka Farm Management Committee, on their fantastic work in the community to endorse a local connection with country.