Griffith Wiradjuri Aboriginal Preschool and Owen Toyota teamed up for a special presentation for students as part of National Tree Day

The event was a joint effort by the preschool and Owen Toyota, and featured a visit from Owen Toyota representative Sarah Taylor who spoke to the students about National Tree Day and why trees were so important for the environment and its ecosystems.

Ms Taylor also spoke to students about the various ways trees were used to create tools, utensils and shelter for their Wiradjuri ancestors. The kids were then shown a wooden coolamon which was commonly used as a carrying instrument.

A selection of native shrubs and trees were also donated to the preschool by Owen Toyota, which will be planted in the preschool's yard. Colourful gardening gloves and hats were also donated to the students.

Griffith Wiradjuri Aboriginal Preschool educator Aunty Rebecca Garner said she was inspired to organise the day following the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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"We wanted to add it to the children's program of calendar events, get more involved with community events and have those connections again," Aunty Garner said.

"They came in and did a fabulous talk on the connection of trees and what we use trees for.

"The environment is a very important part of Aboriginal culture. The students might just look at a tree and not know what we use it for or what it does for the environment. To embed that in them now is a start for the future."

Aunty Garner said she hoped the National Tree Day events will become a regular part of the preschool's calendar.

"We try to get as involved as we can to expose the children to different learning experiences," she said. "This is the first year we've done this, and it will continue."

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