Tempe Public School

The Little Casuarina Tree

2020, Primary School, Writing

"A beautifully written and touching piece illustrating connection with and care for Country. The repetition of the phrase "I left" is incredibly powerful, softly embedding a sense of loss amongst the joy of living in harmony with the land. Loss for the ways of the past. This loss is replaced with hope and joy for the future - apologising for wrongs, reuniting with family and returning to Country and the 'little casuarina tree'. Stunning work. Well done."
"A very moving piece of writing, merging Country and its people and its processes, I was touched."
What the judges said.

Newtown Public School

Connected

2020, Primary School, Writing

"A sophisticated piece that uses simple phrases and repetition to illustrate an understanding of the theme. This work demonstrates a deep knowledge of the intrinsic interconnectedness of life, spirit and Country. I love the circular form - cleverly using the opening two lines to round off the poem. The naming of plants to represent a "rootedness" in Country, emphasises the differences of species and uniqueness of life - which at the core are all connected. A beautiful piece of writing. Well Done"
What the Judges said

Rutherford Technology High School

Let's Get it Right

2020, High School, Writing

One of the problems we are facing, is pollution
If we work together we can find a solution....

Walhallow Public School

Baagii's stories (Nan's Stories)

2020, Primary School, Writing

"Such a nice vignette, note the use of language, constructed perfectly and clearly personal and sincere."
What the judges said.

Kegworth Public School

A Lonely Place

2020, Primary School, Writing

My artwork is about how lonely it looks without the Aboriginals because they have been taken away from their families and their Country. It relates to reconciliation because we have been learning about why the Aboriginal children shouldn’t have been taken away. It’s also about everyone coming together and caring for each other. It relates to caring for Country by showing the Aboriginals land as dry, dusty and hard to live on, however, these lovely people can survive happily and easily because it is their County and they have a really strong connection.

Minmi Public School

The Lizard

2020, Primary School, Writing

My artwork is red black and green and is about how Aboriginal people work with other cultures and learn about their tradition’s. My art work says that this land will always be Aboriginal land.

Walhallow Public School

Caring for Country

2020, Primary School, Writing

"Made me feel nostalgic, shows the everyday significance and joy of caring for Country."

"You can feel the joy in this piece. The author give us a sense of what life feels like to them - safe, warm, and happy, and outlines the simple steps we can take to care for country. A celebration. Thank you."

What the judges said

Oxley Park Public School

The Rain Dance

2020, Primary School, Writing

"This piece demonstrates an understanding of the connectedness of First Nations mob with the land and how Caring for Country is vital and intrinsic in life and survival. Lovely use of imagery to carry the story and conjure up a visually rich scene."
What the judges said

Kegworth Public School

The Burnt Stick

2020, Primary School, Writing

My artwork is about a book we read called The Burnt Stick, which is about the Stolen Generation. This is a time in Australia’s history when Aboriginal children were stolen from their family and taken across the country to a completely different place, where they were treated poorly. My poems and art show the difference between where a child came from and was sent to. He would never be happy at the mission because he had no family there and it wasn’t his Country. My art links to reconciliation because it is learning about the past and learning so the future can never follow this way. It links to Caring for country because it shows the depth of connection Aboriginal people have to their country.