WADJOO TO OUR GAINING BOODJA YARNING CIRCLE
(Welcome to our Ellenbrook Yarning Circle)
We are so delighted to officially open our Yarning Circle, a project that has been in the works since 2019 when our staff cultural group proposed the idea. Through collaboration with Kardan Construction, local Elders and community members, plans and artwork for the Yarning Circle came together.
During 2021, the College received a very generous grant of $50,000 from Rita Saffioti MLA on behalf of the Western Australian State Government which allowed for the final artwork, seating and landscaping to be commissioned. And it has come together beautifully. A special thank you to Jessica Shaw MLA who represented Rita Saffioti in the opening on Thursday and for your works shared with our students, staff and special guests.
Our Yarning Circle Opening was held in collaboration with the College’s NAIDOC Day celebrations. This truly special day celebrating history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The morning started off with a whole school assembly, with special guest Whadjuk Ballardong Nyungar Woman Sandra Harben who shared her knowledge and language with our staff and students. Sandra conducted a smoking ceremony around our new Yarning Circle, this ancient practice encourages good health and wellbeing through connection to culture and country. We are very excited to see our students and community use this space to share, learn and belong. 
