On Friday, 14 November 2025 parents, grandparents, carers and friends were invited to the re-opening of Nura Djaroba at Avalon Public School after some wonderful regenerative action. This is the result of a sustained community effort and was funded by the community, a NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) Program Grant, which the school community and supporters matched.
Fundraising activities were, for example, at the Avalon Learning Expo was held on Thursday 12 September 2024.
Students had the opportunity to showcase their learning in Real World Problem Solving to an authentic audience of parents, family members, fellow students, teachers and members of the community.
A $Note for Nura Djaroba - entry to the school by donation went towards the Nura Djaroba Refurbishment project.
Students showcased their learning on the theme of 'Happiness Through Helping'.
Avalon’s school motto is ‘Happiness Through Helping’ and this was also a way to improve Avalon school by asking students to help design and enhance the beautiful Nura Djaroba area.
In an exciting new addition to the day, the Expo concluded with ‘Dancing in the Street’ at 2.00pm.
What is Dancing in the Street? AVPS received permission to close Old Barrenjoey Road from Dress Circle to Sanders Lane from 2.00pm-2.45pm. The police generously assisted with the temporary closure. At approximately 2.00pm, all 740 students danced down the street from OOSH to Sanders Lane to the tune of ‘Dancing In The Street’. Parents were encouraged to line both sides of the street to get a good vantage point with lots of parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles joining in the fun.
With so many dancing we have to ask; is this the biggest flash mob performing in Pittwater so far? What a joyful close to another great school expo and a great way to fundraise.
Avalon P and C members with Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby - presentation of grant for Nura Djaroba
Nura Djaroba's renewal was also realised through lots of volunteer hours including design and construction. This project has taken a few years in being realised.
At the opening the students sang a wonderful First Nations song from Queensland as part of blessing the space and Alice Lovett, Relieving Deputy Principal, and also a former student, hosted those gathered to celebrate this special place.
Avalon PS said:
''Nura Djaroba, our cherished native space, has been part of the school since 1996. More than a garden, it’s a place of learning, imagination, reflection and deep connection to Country.
As Jude Barlow says, “Country is everything. It’s family, it’s life, it’s connection.”
That spirit was felt strongly today.
We honoured the original visionaries, along with the many staff, students, families and partners who have helped nurture this space across nearly 30 years. A huge thank you to our P&C for their ongoing support, and to Alice Lovett, our Relieving Deputy Principal, for organising today’s opening with such care and dedication.
The ceremony included a Welcome to Country by Corey Kirk and a Smoking Ceremony by Bush to Bowl, grounding us in the cultural significance of this land. Guests enjoyed reflections from our School Captains, a Junior Choir performance, and words from community members, including original landscape designer Trina Minter.
A highlight was the unveiling of “Kip Koala,” a beautiful sculpture generously created and donated by Richard Stutchbury — a new symbol of care and connection within our garden.
Richard Stuchbury was one of the original visionaries behind Nura Djaroba in 1996, as well as being an incredible landscape architect and sculptor.
Richard’s connection to Avalon runs deep; his two children, Kirra and Molly, both attended Avalon and now his first grandchild, Kai, will be starting kindergarten here next year. It’s such a beautiful full-circle moment and a heart-warming reminder of one of Avalon Public School’s greatest assets: our community.
The koala holds special significance to the area, as many of these creatures once roamed the land when it was owned by the Coleman family.
A huge thank you to Richard for his passion, generosity and unwavering support of our community.
Kip is excited to meet all of his new friends next week when Nura Djaroba opens for play! - Richard's speech at the opening:
To honour the original 1996 opening, a Waratah was planted, representing strength, beauty and resilience. With hardscaping complete, the planting phase is now underway, guided by a native bush food plan developed by Fiona Tobin and supported by Sue Robinson.
Thank you to everyone, past and present, who has contributed to bringing Nura Djaroba back to life. This space continues to inspire wonder, learning and community connection.''
Meet some of the original 1996 visionaries of Nura Djaroba – local Avalon legends Trina Minter and Richard Stutchbury. They're pictured here with Matt and Paolo from the Department Assets Team, who have been leading this project alongside our amazing P&C, Jamie king (landscape architect) and executive staff.
Nura Djaroba outdoor playground, is a vibrant, inclusive space for students to play, explore, learn and connect with Country.''
Nura Djaroba in 2018
Nura, has a meaning of 'seeing Country' - 'Ngarra Nura' means 'Understanding Country' in the language of the Gadigal peoples. Djaroba is similar to the word Djugurba (pronounced Jook-urr-pa), which means everything concerning the Spirit Time, or Dreamtime, stories. However, in this case it means 'place of laughter' - children's laughter and joy.
As this place was an amphitheatre before this, and is now a rejuvenated space along the same lines and set-out as an amphitheatre, the special garden continues sharing knowledge of all these ancient stories have within them. Avalon PS says:
''Nura Djaroba, our school's Aboriginal eco–garden, is a special learning space, which reminds us daily of the Garigal people who once lived here.
The continued acknowledgement of the original custodians of the land is a feature of all school assemblies.''
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby, who attended the opening, said:
''Everyone knows Nura Djaroba has a special kind of magic. It’s been renewed, reimagined and ready to be reloved by the next generation of Avalon students. A huge community effort funded by community, state grant and loads of volunteer hours including design and construction, has ensured the success of this project. Years in the making - so much heart and soul and such a special place.''
Geoff Searl OAM, President of the Avalon Beach Historical Society, wrote a History of this garden:
Nura Djaroba Opening: Friday November 14 2025
Nura Djaroba (‘place of laughter’) was first envisioned in 1993, when a group of dedicated parents and educators wanted to create something beyond the standard playgrounds of the time. Their dream was to design a space that reflected the surrounding bushland, acknowledged Aboriginal ways of knowing and gave the children a chance to learn through nature.
By 1994 that vision took shape under the guidance of landscape architects Trina and Andrew Minter and Richard Stutchbury.
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Montage of original Nura Djaroba from Programme for Opening
With strong community support, the playground came alive – introducing natural features, winding pathways and spaces that encouraged curiosity, story-telling and free play. It was truly ahead of its time, long before ‘nature play’ became a common phrase.
Over the years Nura Djaroba grew alongside generations of students.
In the 2000s, the space was nurtured by countless working bees and parent contributions.
However, like all living places, it began to show signs of wear. Structures weathered and new safety standards made it harder to maintain in its original form.
In 2020 the school community began talking about how to protect and revive the space. The P&C and staff worked together to plan for its renewal – holding consultations, drawing on the original design principles and making sure Aboriginal perspectives remained at its heart.
Sylvia Saszczak, besides being a super-keen member of the ABHS, was recognised for “her continued care, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to Nura Djaroba and the education about native foods”.
Sylvia has been a teacher at APS.
The excellent sculptor and landscape architect, Richard Stutchbury gave Nura Djaroba a stunning green marble koala called ‘Kip’ in memory of the many koalas which used to live in the local area.
Thanks to Hendrick from the P&C and Mr Rankin the Principal, every detail was carefully considered and the students’ best interests stayed at the centre of every decision.
By 2023, after years of planning, fund raising and hard work, the revitalisation was almost complete. The new design, led by Jamie King, honoured the spirit of the original while also embracing student voice.
How education has changed since I began my schooling at Avalon Public School in 1951, the year it was officially opened.
Thanks to Alice Lovett, Relieving Deputy Principal, for assistance with this article.
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Photos by Andrew Gregory and Geoff Searl OAM
Entrance to the right with this sculpture leading up to the stage/amphitheatre.
Richard Stutchbury’s stunning 3/4 tonne granite 'Kip the Koala' which he gave to the school for the area.
Kip the Koala
Richard Stutchbury with Trina and Andrew Minter at the re-opening
Trina, Marita Macrae of Pittwater Natural Heritage Association and Avalon Preservation Association and Sylvia Saszczak at the re-opening
Program for opening:
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